A lot of useful household products can come in handy aerosol spray cans, but what about after you’re done with them? Lubricants, pesticides, and paint all commonly come in aerosol cans, but these spray cans aren’t as easy to dispose of after use. This is especially true for full aerosol spray cans, as they pose a hazard not only due to the contents but also due to the potential to cause damage and inflict harm during the disposal process. Today, we’re going to tackle these problems so you can dispose of your spray cans.
Disposal Problem 1: Pressurized Cans
A full aerosol spray pressure can vary significantly, but most cans available to the public are rated for up to 100 PSI (pounds per square inch) and are usually charged less than that (as low as 60 PSI). Reading the labels is always important, and can provide additional information on the pressure inside. The issue with disposing of full spray cans is that the pressure can release explosively if the aerosol is breached—such as from a garbage truck’s compactor or the disposal facility, potentially harming personnel or damaging equipment.
Learn more in our blog, The Dangers of Pressurized Products in At-Home Disposal, which also includes other pressurized vessels like fuel tanks.
Disposal Problem 2: Hazardous Contents
The second issue is with the contents of these products. There are many types of household products and chemicals that can’t be thrown away in the trash. This includes products that contain petroleum products, such as many lubricants and pesticides, along with many other chemicals that can be found in oil-based paints and stains, cleaning products, and heavy-duty solvents like soot removers.
Your Choices for Full Aerosol Spray Can Disposal
While regardless of the contents, full aerosol spray cans can’t be thrown in the trash, but the contents can help determine a course of action when it comes to disposal.
- Aerosol Cans Containing Non-Hazardous Products: To empty the can of its non-hazardous contents, discharge the contents outdoors into a deep cardboard box or paper bag, and allow the box or bag to dry before placing it in the trash. The empty aerosol container can then be recycled or disposed of.
- Aerosol Cans Containing Hazardous Products: Review the label of the product and check online at the MassDEP Safely Manage Hazardous Household Products If the can is safe after discharge, you can empty it following the instructions before disposal.
- Aerosol Cans Containing Hazardous Residue: Many hazardous products cannot be disposed of even after emptying the can due to the presence of hazardous residue. Take your household hazardous products to a permitted collection center or event.
Learn more on our Fact Sheet for Aerosol Products.
If your products are safe for at-home disposal, you don’t have an upcoming disposal event scheduled for your products, or you simply prefer not to deal with at-home disposal, it’s time to contact NEDT. You can visit one of our Household Hazardous Products Collection Centers or schedule a home pick-up for this and many other household hazardous products. We believe that disposing of aerosol spray cans and countless other household hazardous products should be quick and easy.
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