Help SN: Concerned over one small detail

[Finalnight]

I was perfectioning my SN plan, revisiting information I gathered from 4 years ago. And I stumbled upon this comment regarding a SN question which says:

"Yes, to prevent fire hazards. No, it will not degrade as long as it is properly sealed away from O2. Shelf life is around 3 years. Metal containers are fine, just store away from heat. Finally, do not reuse containers previously stored with SN." - Greenberg

The part that concerns me from this comment is: (Finally, do not reuse containers previously stored with SN)

Maybe I'm overthinking and being exaggerated, but I don't understand why they're giving that advice, and how could there by a problem by doing so.

Let's say I have a pretty large airtight container where I've been storing all my SN throughout the years, assuming the older SN is no longer useful, and is sitting right next to my newest SN.

I mean, what could be the problem? No SN bag has been opened or broken. Could there even be any reaction between a good Sn bag (Sodium Nitrite) and a bad one (Sodium Nitrate) for example?

It sounds stupid, I know, but as stupid as it sounds it's driving me crazy, because I can't stop having doubts about everything.

I wish somebody could help me understand what this means, please...

 

[Praestat_Mori]

I understand it they that once you emptied the container (aka u used all the SN and it's empty) not to reuse it bc there's a danger of contamination if used for sth else. Usually the bottles/bags are not reused / refilled after they are empty. That's how I understand it.

And it's true SN does not decompose on its own and stored dry, cool and airtight should be fine for many years.

 

[Finalnight]

I understand it they that once you emptied the container (aka u used all the SN and it's empty) not to reuse it bc there's a danger of contamination if used for sth else. Usually the bottles/bags are not reused / refilled after they are empty. That's how I understand it.

And it's true SN does not decompose on its own and stored dry, cool and airtight should be fine for many years.

I just don't get why would it be a problem to reuse a container that stored SN alone (Without anything in between the powder and the container). The comment doesn't refer to anything else but the SN. So why would there be a problem if small particles of old SN get mixed with (for example) 100gr of newer Sodium Nitrite?

 

[アホペンギン]

Probably oxidizing issues, and cross-contamination issues.

 

[Finalnight]

Probably oxidizing issues, and cross-contamination issues.

But if I haven't opened neither of the bags I'm storing in the same container there's no reason to worry right? Sorry for needing so much reassurance, I have severe OCD and it makes me question everything…

 

[LaVieEnRose]

He must have meant reuse the containers for other purposes.

 

[tourniquetbunny]

It seems like a better safe than sorry type scenario. If you want to transfer SN to another container that once held SN, thats fine I'm pretty sure. But like let's say your parents grab that container, wash it even, and fill it with sugar or something. That's probably not a very good idea

 

[Finalnight]

Yes maybe that's what he meant and I'm totally getting rid of the containers before I ctb, thanks for the help guys.