Where and how dry ice is stored

Dry ice is never kept in an airtight container: the subliming gas builds pressure. The right place is an insulated container in a ventilated area where the gas can disperse.

27 November 2022Updated 28 September 2026

Short answer

Dry ice is stored in an insulated container that lets gas escape, in a ventilated area. Airtight boxes, fridges, freezers, cold rooms, basements and vehicle cabs are unsuitable, because one kilogram of dry ice gives off about 550 litres of carbon dioxide, which either pressurises the container or collects at floor level in an enclosed space.

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide at -78.5 °C, and while it waits it turns straight into gas. Storage therefore rests on two conditions: the container is insulated but lets the gas out, and the place it stands in is ventilated enough to disperse that gas.

Place or container	Verdict	Why
Upright insulated container in a ventilated area	Suitable	Loss slows down, gas disperses
Screw-top, latched or airtight container	Unsuitable	Gas builds pressure and the container can burst
Fridge or freezer	Unsuitable	CO2 collects inside and the cold can damage the thermostat
Cold room, basement, vehicle cab	Unsuitable	CO2 is heavier than air and gathers in low, enclosed spaces

An insulated container slows the loss but never stops it, so dry ice is bought close to the day of use and only in the quantity needed. Leftover pieces are left to sublime in their own container, in a ventilated spot where nobody else can touch them; they do not go down a sink or drain or into a closed bin.