You almost certainly have many aerosol cans in your home, garage, or shed. They may include whipped cream, spray paint, hairspray, and bug spray. You might not think twice about throwing them away when they’re empty, but should you?
Aerosol cans contain substances, such as the product itself and the gaseous propellant, that can cause hazardous conditions when discarded. They’re pressurized, which means they could explode under certain conditions, causing injuries and damage to our equipment. Furthermore, the product in the can could leak out and mix with other chemicals in the load, resulting in potentially hazardous chemical reactions.
While there are no federal regulations prohibiting the disposal of aerosol can waste generated in residential settings in the trash or a landfill, there are a few things you can do to help ensure you are doing so safely.
1. Check That The Can Is Empty
Check to make sure your aerosol can is empty before throwing it away. The can is empty enough to be disposed of safely if no product emerges from the nozzle and it does not appear clogged.
Shake the can to check if it’s empty if you’re unsure. There should be no liquid moving inside. Disposing of full aerosol cans can be hazardous, for aerosol cans that are not empty must be handled differently.
2. Avoid Modifying The Can
An aerosol can doesn’t need to be altered or disposed of. Whichever method you choose to use to get rid of the aerosol cans, make sure to leave the can as it is.
Because aerosol cans are pressurized, they can explode if tampered with. Never try to puncture an aerosol can or expose it to extreme heat. Even if the spray nozzle is made of plastic, do not attempt to remove it from the can.
You can remove the aerosol can’s plastic lid for recycling if it has one. The lid is probably recyclable as well.
3. Consider The Can’s Contents
All aerosol cans are not created equal. Because some contain hazardous materials, they may not be able to be disposed of in regular trash or recycling. Examine the can for signs that it contains hazardous waste.
Make sure to abide by any specific disposal instructions on the can. In some circumstances, you might be required to take the can to a facility for the disposal of hazardous waste.
If you’re unsure whether specific cans can be recycled, call your town’s recycling centre and tell them what’s inside.
4. Non-Empty Aerosol Cans Should Not Be Discarded
Even though it may not seem like a big deal, throwing a partially filled can of cleaning supplies or hairspray in the trash can be very dangerous. Aerosol cans are pressurized, so if they are flattened or exposed to high temperatures, they will blow up. Injury-causing situations like this could even occur in the garbage truck.
5. Until The Product’s Can Is Empty, Use It
Use an aerosol can all the way until it’s empty, then throw it away or recycle it for the easiest disposal method.
Consider giving it to someone who can use it if you are unable to use it yourself. Spray paint cans, for instance, may be used by local artists or students. It’s possible that your relatives and friends could use your products as well.
Bottom Line
You must properly dispose of aerosol cans whether you use them in your personal or professional life. This is because the can’s contents could be dangerous for both people and animals. The product could explode or start a fire if it were pierced or otherwise damaged because of its volatility.
