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How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans

Last Updated: July 22, 2024

How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans

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Did you know that over 3.5 billion aerosol cans are produced in the United States every year? An aerosol can is defined as a container that uses compressed gas to aerate and dispense a substance. This includes cooking sprays, spray paints, disinfectant sprays, fertilizers, bug sprays, and cleaning products.

With so many different types of aerosol cans used in daily life, you may wonder if it’s safe to throw them away, recycle them, or if you need to take them to a special facility. We’re here to give you all the answers you need. Similarly, in the world of online gambling, users often seek guidance on preferred currencies. One popular option is Litecoin, known for its efficiency and security. To learn more about why Litecoin is a preferred currency for gambling, check out this comprehensive guide: https://casinorange.com/info/editorial/why-is-litecoin-a-preferred-currency-for-gambling.

What are the Dangers of Aerosol Can Disposal?

The danger of disposing aerosol cans is disposing of the non-empty ones. Non-empty means that there is still product inside the can. These can be considered hazardous if the materials inside are harmful.

Pressurized cans can also result in dire consequences for the environment. The EPA estimates that the US produces more than 1.6 billion empty cans in a year.

Tossing aerosol cans haphazardly into a landfill can cause dangers along the transportation route and in the landfill. Improperly handled aerosol cans can result in dangers. This includes chemicals leaking and even fires, burns, or toxic combinations at a landfill.

Can You Throw Away Empty Aerosol Cans?

An aerosol can is considered empty when all of the contents inside the container are gone. That means that you will have to use all the product inside of it for its intended use.

We want to clarify that aerosol cans are not considered hazardous waste if they are deemed empty. This means that if you push the nozzle and nothing comes out, and the nozzle isn’t broken or clogged, then the can is able to be tossed in the regular trash or to a metal recycling facility.

How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans

There are always going to be local ways to dispose of your aerosol cans, empty or not. Here, we’ll elaborate on how to dispose of cans with material in them, how to dispose of empty ones, and how to recycle them. In some places, you might even be able to get some money for recycling them.

An infographic detailing how to dispose of aerosol cans

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1. Check Your Local Waste Disposal Laws

If your cans contain materials (because, once again, empty aerosol cans can go in the regular trash) and you need to toss it, you’ll need to check with the rules for your city. You can contact your local sanitation department, city official, or waste facility to see what you can do with your partially used cans. They will be able to offer solutions, like bringing them to a hazardous waste facility or a community disposal day.

2. Spray Out the Contents

If you have leftover cooking spray or hairspray, it’s possible to spray the contents into a bag in order to use up the material inside. You want to make sure you’re spraying in a well-ventilated area where pets and children will not be able to accidentally stumble in. Once the can is empty, you can toss it in the trash.

However, if the material inside is hazardous, like a pesticide, rust remover, or paint, DO NOT spray them out. We recommend you use step number 1 to figure out the best way to dispose of them.

3. Bring Your Cans to Scrap Yards

Remember how we mentioned extra cash earlier on? Here’s how. If your aerosol can is made of a recyclable material, like aluminum or steel, you can bring your cans to a metal scrapper and they may be interested in buying them.

Keep in mind, this is more along the lines of cents rather than dollars, but if you’re a painter, landscaper, or hair stylist, this is a safe way to get rid of your unwanted cans.

Not using the materials inside the can anymore? Reach out to your friends and family to see if any of them can use it. You’d be surprised the things you can get rid of when you offer it to your community.

5. Call Your Residential Trash Hauler

This is an option where, if you don’t live near a disposal facility, or are at a loss for what to do with your nearly-empty cans, you can call your trash service. Some companies offer hazardous household waste collection for a small fee. You’ll need to detail how many cans, what kind of cans, and what kind of materials they are, but your trash company will likely be able to help.

Aerosol Disposal Safety

When you’re trying to get rid of the aerosol cans sitting in your basement, here are some tips to make sure that you and your family stay safe.

  1. Make sure your cans are being stored safely. This includes keeping them in a temperature-regulated area and keeping the lids on them.
  2. DO NOT attempt to depressurize the cans by yourself.
  3. Treat any non-empty cans with care.
  4. Handle your cans away from open flames or other ignition sources.
  5. Keep the cans away from children and pets.

Discount Dumpster Helps You with Disposal

While not all of our locations are able to accept hazardous waste, we try to help our customers dispose of all their waste the best we can.

When you call Discount Dumpster for a free quote on a dumpster rental, you’ll get top notch help from our advisors. We are passionate about helping people get rid of their waste in a way that’s safe for you, your family, your community, and our environment.

Call Today for Resources on Proper Waste Removal - (888) 316-7010

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