The EtO scrubbing system is based on the absorption of ethylene oxide and its subsequent hydration to ethylene glycol. The reaction rate is a function of temperature in the presence of a catalyst, typically sulfuric acid. Energy consumption is minimal. The final product of a system is an ethylene glycol solution containing a small amount of acid. In cases where no discharge can be tolerated, calcium hydroxide can be added to the solution to precipitate the acid as calcium sulfate, leaving a solution of 30 weight percent neutral ethylene glycol.