Aerosol Disposal and Recycling

Yes, you can recycle aerosol cans made from tin-plated steel and aluminium, as these are recyclable metals. You can also recycle aerosol can caps, as in most cases it’s made from recyclable metal or plastic. The valve and actuator are often made from plastic and also recyclable.

When recycling aerosols they need to be empty – as any remaining original contents may class as hazardous waste. As long as they’re empty you can easily recycle most deodorant cans, air fresheners, spray paints and more.

Whether you use aerosols as part of the daily running of your company or within your personal life, disposing of aerosol cans correctly is essential. This is because the contents inside the can may be harmful to human or animal life. The volatile nature of aerosols means it could also explode or cause fires if pierced or otherwise damaged.

Aerosol cans are recyclable, so disposing of aerosols can be relatively easy. To dispose of aerosol cans, you should:

• Ensure the aerosol cans are completely empty of all products before disposal.
• Remove the lid and place this alongside the rest of your dry mixed recyclables – as this doesn’t need to go through the same recycling process as the metal can itself.
• Store empty aerosol cans in the appropriate container or bin before disposal. You should ensure the cans are not pierced, crushed, or flattened. They should also be stored in a cool, dry place where the cans will not reach a high temperature.
• Arrange collection of the bins holding your aerosol cans by a licensed waste carrier to transport to a nearby facility for recycling.

When recycling aerosols you can put any empty cans made from tin-plated steel or aluminium in your metal recycling bin. This way they’ll be collected, sorted, and recycled alongside other waste metal. At home you can normally put aerosols in your mixed recycling bin – though check with your local authority first.

Aerosol cans can be recycled at an appropriate treatment facility. Many local councils also offer kerbside pickup for aerosol products used within the home. When taken to the appropriate facility, the following process occurs:

• A small hole is pierced into the aerosol can, using a specialist machine. This allows any remaining liquid inside the can to drain out – rendering the rest of the materials safe for disposal.
• The remaining components of the aerosol product are separated based on their materials (such as metal, plastic, or rubber). They’re then recycled through the usual channels.
• Once recycled, aerosols can be used to make a wide variety of products. For example, recycled metals can be used to make parts for mobile phones, cars, aircraft, and even some electrical appliances.

Many consumers are growing concerned about using aerosols in their daily life, as they can harm the environment. While their use may be unavoidable, there are various new alternatives to aerosols currently under development. These include the Airopack – a dispensing system powered by air. Additionally, consumers can purchase aerosol alternatives – such as roll-on deodorants instead of aerosol cans.

Aerosols are considered a form of classified or hazardous waste. This means you must proceed with caution when disposing of aerosol cans. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that aerosol cans make up around 40% of the hazardous waste sent to specialist facilities each year.

You can reduce the amount of waste you produce within your business and personal life by finding ways to repurpose items instead of throwing them away. However, it can be complicated with aerosol cans because you must ensure they don’t get pierced or damaged during the process.

Some people have found aerosol cans can be used in a variety of DIY projects. For example, they can be used to create unique artwork or stands for lamps. Otherwise, simply recycling aerosols means lots of the materials get reused in some way.

The cost of aerosol recycling can be factored into the cost of your commercial waste collection plan. At Business Waste, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with cost-effective waste management services that enable you to dispose of all manner of waste without putting pressure on your bank account.

For example, we’ll provide you with access to the appropriate recycling bins or containers completely free of charge. Furthermore, at Business Waste, we avoid landfill wherever possible, meaning you won’t have to pay any additional landfill tax when disposing of aerosol cans.

To dispose of aerosol cans at home, you can arrange for aerosol products to be collected by your local council. Though the rules and regulations vary depending on your location, you can apply for this online or through the post. However, you can also drop off your used or empty aerosol products at:

• Nearby recycling centres.
• Local waste disposal sites.
• Specialist collection points at supermarkets.

According to a recent report from the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, nearly 40 billion aerosol cans are used each year globally. We use around 600 million aerosol cans each year in the UK, which roughly works out at approximately ten aerosols per person.

Thankfully, the number of aerosols sent to landfill within the UK each year is gradually reducing. A recent survey found that 70% of consumers ensure their aerosol products are sent to recycling facilities.

A few further facts about aerosols are:

• The UK produces and uses the highest volume of aerosol products in Europe.
• A recent study found that household aerosols now produce more smog in the UK than vehicles.
• Each year, aerosols release over 3 million tonnes of VOC (volatile organic compounds) air pollution. It’s estimated this figure will rise to around 2.2 million by 2050.

Studies suggest that the concept of aerosol cans or containers (a system that allows liquid particles to be distributed as mist) dates as far back as 1790. However, the original patent for aerosol was awarded to chemical biologist Erik Rotheim in 1927. Since then, many different variations of aerosol products have been introduced to the international market.

Aerosol containers are typically made of four components. Each one of these is made from different materials of varying degrees of recyclability. The four components aerosol cans are made from are the:

• Container – The main body of the aerosol is typically made from some form of metal – such as tin-plated metal and aluminium. These materials are unlikely to react negatively with whatever is stored inside the can itself. In the UK, it’s estimated that 60% of aerosol containers are made from tin-plated steel and 40% from aluminium. These materials are widely recycled in the UK and beyond.
• Valve – The valve ensures the aerosol container remains airtight. Typically, the valve is made from plastic.
• Actuator – The actuator is another form of valve designed to control the volume and direction where the aerosol product is released. Again, it’s typically made from some form of durable plastic or rubber.
• Cap – The cap (or lid) is designed to seal the product in between use. Often, it’s made from easily recyclable plastics or metal.

When the four components are brought together, great care is taken to ensure the product remains airtight and leakproof – so they’re safe and ready for use. They’re typically made in a factory, where the production line can be carefully monitored and assessed.