Aerosol Can Recycling

What Is Aerosol Can Recycling?

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 01 April 2026

Aerosol can recycling is the process of collecting and processing empty metal containers that once held pressurized products like paint, deodorant, or hair spray. It's important because improperly discarded aerosols contribute to 25% of lead contamination in landfills according to a 2018 study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Recycling them prevents hazardous materials from entering the environment.

Where to Recycle Aerosol Can

You can recycle empty aerosol cans through curbside recycling programs, scrap metal recyclers for bulk quantities, or household hazardous waste facilities. For example, in California, non-empty cans must be taken to designated hazardous waste collection sites such as those run by CalRecycle.

How to Prepare Aerosol Can for Recycling

Before you recycle an aerosol can, ensure it's completely empty and pressurized air has been released if possible. Don't puncture or crush the can. This prevents explosions in recycling trucks or compactors. Follow these steps:

1. Check that there's no remaining product inside.
2. Remove any plastic caps or rings.
3. Make sure the can is fully depressurized by shaking it and listening for rattling sounds, which indicate empty contents.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, The value of raw materials in global e-waste was estimated at $91 billion in 2022.

What Is Aerosol Can Worth?

Empty aerosol cans have no scrap value individually but are included in curbside recycling programs at no additional cost to you. However, they add to the overall recyclable volume which can be monetized if collected in bulk by metal recyclers who pay for metals like steel or aluminum.

Environmental Impact

Recycling a single aerosol can saves 0.5 kWh of energy and reduces carbon emissions by approximately 1 kg CO2 equivalent compared to producing a new one from virgin materials, according to figures published by the Aluminum Association. Recycling also conserves natural resources and decreases water use significantly.

Safety and Regulations

Aerosol cans are considered hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) if they contain any residual product or pressure. Improper disposal can lead to fines of up to $50,000 per day in the United States as outlined by EPA regulations. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and safety glasses, when handling aerosols. To avoid legal penalties, always ensure cans are completely empty before disposing or recycling them.

According to the World Economic Forum, e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally.

Additional Considerations

For residents of the UK, aerosol can disposal falls under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) for hazardous waste management. At Aerosol Can Recycling, the Environment Agency requires proper segregation from general waste to prevent contamination at landfills. In Australia, state environmental protection authorities mandate that non-empty cans are treated as regulated waste under their respective hazardous waste guidelines.

By following these guidelines, you help protect both the environment and public health while complying with local regulations regarding Aerosol Can Recycling.

According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.

Sources

• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• World Economic Forum
• Apple Environmental Report 2024