Are Aerosol Cans Recyclable?

Aerosol cans are recyclable metal containers, but they require special handling due to safety concerns related to pressurized contents and potentially hazardous substances. Most aerosol cans are made from steel or aluminum, both highly recyclable metals, but the pressurized nature of these containers creates significant safety risks if not properly emptied before recycling. Aerosol cans can explode during the crushing and processing stages of recycling if they still contain pressurized gas, potentially injuring workers and damaging equipment. Additionally, many aerosol products contain chemicals that are regulated as hazardous waste, including paint, solvents, pesticides, and cleaning chemicals that cannot be processed through standard recycling facilities. The recycling process for properly emptied aerosol cans involves removing the plastic caps and actuators, puncturing the cans to ensure they are completely depressurized, separating the steel or aluminum for metal recycling, and disposing of any remaining chemical residues appropriately. However, the challenge is that consumers cannot safely puncture aerosol cans at home, and determining whether a can is truly empty can be difficult. Some recycling programs have specialized equipment to handle aerosol cans safely, while others require that only completely empty cans be included in regular metal recycling. The variety of contents in aerosol cans means that recycling requirements can vary significantly depending on what was originally contained in the can.

Aerosol can recycling requires careful attention to safety and local program requirements. First, ensure the can is completely empty by using up all the contents – shake the can and listen for liquid sloshing, and test the spray mechanism to confirm no product comes out. Remove plastic caps and actuators, which should be disposed of separately in regular trash. Check with your local recycling program for specific aerosol can policies, as requirements vary significantly: some programs accept completely empty aerosol cans with regular metal recycling, others require special drop-off at hazardous waste collection events, and some have dedicated aerosol can processing. Never puncture or attempt to remove the spray mechanism yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous. If the can still contains product, many communities have household hazardous waste collection days where aerosol cans can be safely disposed of regardless of contents. For cans that contained non-hazardous products like whipped cream, cooking spray, or personal care items, recycling is more straightforward once completely empty. However, cans that contained paint, solvents, pesticides, or other hazardous materials typically need to go to hazardous waste facilities even if empty, as chemical residues can contaminate recycling streams.

If full or partially full, take to hazardous waste facility.

• Choose pump sprays instead of aerosol when possible
• Buy products in bulk to reduce packaging frequency
• Use refillable spray bottles for cleaning solutions
• Choose solid alternatives to aerosol products when available
• Support brands that use recyclable pump dispensers