We provide a process and apparatus for preparing a used catalyst for disposal, comprising: a. hydrolyzing a used ionic liquid catalyst comprising an anhydrous metal halide to produce a hydrolyzed product; and b. separating the hydrolyzed product into a liquid phase and a solid phase; wherein the liquid phase comprises a non-water-reactive aqueous phase and a hydrocarbon phase; and wherein the solid phase comprises a solid portion of the hydrolyzed product, that is not water reactive. A vessel is used for the hydrolyzing and a separator is used for the separating.