Can You Recycle Aerosol Cans?

Can You Recycle Aerosol Cans?

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 01 April 2026

Yes, empty aerosol cans are recyclable with metals in most curbside programs. Make sure the can is fully empty but don't puncture it.

Aerosol cans are primarily made of steel or aluminum, which makes them ideal candidates for recycling. These materials are highly valued by recycling facilities because they can be melted down and reused to make new products, reducing the need for virgin raw materials.

According to the WEEE Forum, over 5 billion mobile phones were estimated to be sitting unused in drawers worldwide in 2022.

Why Aerosol Cans Is Easy to Recycle

Empty aerosol cans are easy to recycle because they consist mainly of steel or aluminum. In 2019, a study published in Recycling found that recycling one tonne of aluminum saves about nine tons of bauxite ore and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95% compared to producing new aluminum from raw materials.

To ensure aerosol cans are safe for recycling, make sure they're completely empty. You don't need to puncture the can; doing so could be dangerous due to residual pressure and potentially flammable contents.

How to Recycle Aerosol Cans Properly

First, check your local kerbside collection guidelines or visit websites like Recycling Near You in Australia or Earth911 in the US. Many communities accept empty aerosol cans alongside other metal products. For instance, Waste Management and Republic Services both offer curbside recycling programs that include aerosol cans.

Alternatively, you can take them to a designated recycling facility such as those operated by Sims Metal Management or Biffa in the UK. Some hardware stores like Home Depot also have recycling bins for empty aerosol cans near their front entrances.

Alternatives to Throwing Aerosol Cans Away

Before recycling an aerosol can, consider reusing it if possible. For example, some spray paint cans can be refilled with alternative eco-friendly products like refillable airbrush systems from companies such as Airspray. You can also swap out aerosols for pump-action alternatives or solid versions of the same product.

For donations, check with local charities or community groups that accept household goods in good condition. Websites like Freecycle.org allow you to post items for free reuse within your community.

According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.

FAQ

Q: Can I puncture an aerosol can before recycling? No, puncturing an aerosol can is dangerous and against safety guidelines. Ensure the can is empty but intact.

Q: What happens if my aerosol cans have residue left inside? If you have a little bit of product leftover in your aerosol cans, that's okay for recycling as long as they're empty enough to be completely flat or crushed. Don't attempt to clean them out yourself; the residual contents will evaporate during processing.

Q: Are all types of aerosols recyclable? Most common aerosol products like hairspray and spray paint can go into your kerbside or curbside recycling bin once empty. However, check locally for any restrictions on items like insecticides or oil-based paints.

Sources

• WEEE Forum
• WHO
• US EPA