Are Aerosol Cans Recyclable?

The Benefits of Adding an Aerosol Recycling System to Municipal Recycling Programs

Everyone wants to go greener. We can live in a more sustainable way by minimizing our personal and community impact on the environment. Many municipalities offer recycling programs to support these goals. But do these programs also cover aerosol cans?

Why not make an even bigger difference by adding an aerosol recycling system to your program? Spent aerosol cans are currently considered hazardous waste under federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations. But, they may soon be managed as universal waste.

EPA proposes increased use of aerosol recycling systems

In 2018, the EPA proposed including aerosol cans under the Universal Waste Program. The goal is to reduce the number of aerosol cans going to municipal solid waste landfill sites or waste combustors. Instead, it will encourage the development of more municipal and commercial recycling programs. The EPA will save an estimated $3 million each year in regulatory costs.

This also opens the door for universal waste distributors to recycle aerosol cans. Some states, like California and Colorado, already classify aerosols as universal waste. The proposed EPA ruling would apply to the entire U.S.

Reduce aerosol can explosions

According to the Consumer Specialty Products Association, more than 3 billion aerosol cans are produced in the U.S. each year. Approximately 80 percent of those are steel containers, which is the most recycled material on the planet.

To recycle, aerosol cans must be completely empty. Any residue of product or propellant is dangerous. If exposed to heat while still pressurized, the can itself may explode. Justrite supplies Aerosolv® recycling systems that ensure cans are empty according to RCRA regulations.

The Aerosolv aerosol recycling system fits onto a standard 30- or 55-gallon drum. A stainless steel, non-sparking puncturing pin punches a hole in the can, while a filter prevents harmful VOCs from releasing into the air. Product residue collects in the drum and the empty aerosol can is ready for recycling. Once the drum is full of liquid, dispose of it as hazardous waste.

How to choose an aerosol can recycling system

Model 360

Municipalities that wish to develop new or expand existing aerosol can recycling programs will need a system able to process a large volume of cans. The Aerosolv 360 and Aerosolv 9000 were both designed for large generators of aerosol cans.

Perfect for high-volume usage, the Aerosolv 360 system is built to last. Its innovative design features an ergonomic activation wheel and high-strength T6 aluminum filter base. Lightweight and corrosion resistant, the 360 system is completely enclosed for safe and efficient can disposal.

Model 9000

The Aerosolv Mega 9000 system provides a cost-effective aerosol can recycling option for large generators. It comes with two extra colormetric carbon cartridges to avoid downtime when the filter is spent.

The benefits of using an Aerosolv recycling system

• Reduces the number of aerosol cans going to landfills, which contributes to a more sustainable environment
• Reduces the cost of finished metal products by using recycled material
• Reduces the volume of hazardous waste disposal

Order Your Aerosolv Aerosol Can Recycling System Today

Go green! The system is easy to use and offers immediate benefits by reducing hazardous waste volumes. See all available aerosol recycling systems.

Previously Featured on Justrite's Workplace Safety Articles and News.

References:

• Lion Technology Inc. EPA Proposes Adding Aerosols to Universal Waste Program

• EPA. EPA Proposes Adding Aerosols to Universal Waste Program

• Steel Recycling Institute. Steel is the World’s Most Recycled Material