#$%^&*AU2014262170A120141127.pdf#####D835528_5.docx ABSTRACT We provide a process and apparatus for preparing a used ionic liquid catalyst for safe 5 disposal, comprising hydrolyzing the used ionic liquid catalyst comprising an anhydrous metal halide with a basic solution at a temperature from -20C to 90C to produce a hydrolyzed product, evolve a hydrogen halide gas, and dissolve the hydrogen halide gas into the basic solution.