
Aerosol containers can be hazardous if not handled properly, so it's essential to take necessary precautions.
To prevent accidents, always check the expiration date on the container, as aerosol products can degrade over time.
Aerosol containers are designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure, but extreme temperatures can cause them to rupture.
Keep aerosol containers away from heat sources, such as stovetops or heaters, to prevent them from getting too hot.
When storing aerosol containers, make sure they are in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of fumes.
What You Need to Know
Aerosol containers have been around since 1941, when American chemist Lyle D. Goodhue and others developed them for dispensing insecticides.
They're designed to dispense their liquid contents as a mist or foam, and have since been used for a wide variety of products, from disinfectants to whipping cream.
The most common type of aerosol container consists of a shell, a valve, a dip tube, and a liquefied-gas propellant under pressure.

Chlorofluorocarbons, or Freons, were used as propellants in aerosol-spray products in the US until 1978, when the federal government banned most of their use due to their potentially harmful environmental effect.
The ban was put in place because chlorofluorocarbons can catalyze the decomposition of ozone molecules in the stratosphere, which can lead to higher rates of radiation-induced skin cancer in humans.
In the US, manufacturers have since substituted hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide for chlorofluorocarbons in most aerosol products.
Aerosol containers that use air pressure produced by hand-operated pumps instead of a propellant have also been developed.
Benefits and Features
Aerosol containers are a fantastic option for many products, and one of the key reasons is that they're incredibly lightweight.
This makes them easy to transport and store, which is a huge advantage for businesses and consumers alike.
One of the most significant benefits of aerosol containers is their low carbon footprint, which is better for the environment.

This is especially important for companies that want to reduce their ecological impact.
Aerosol containers are also resistant to rusting, which means they can withstand harsh conditions and last longer.
This is a big plus for products that will be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures.
The design and shape flexibility of aerosol containers is another major advantage, allowing them to be tailored to a wide range of products.
This means that aerosol containers can be used for everything from personal care items to industrial chemicals.
Aerosol containers are also BPA free, which is a major plus for consumers who are concerned about their health and safety.
This ensures that the contents of the container are safe to use and won't leach chemicals into the product.
Aerosol containers offer a unique option for a wide variety of markets, making them a versatile choice for businesses.
This is especially true for companies that need to package products in a way that's both functional and visually appealing.
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Recycling and Disposal
American industries use a staggering 3,000,000,000 aerosol cans every year. This results in 375,000 tons of steel, enough to produce 500,000 cars.
Improper disposal of pressurized aerosol cans can lead to hazardous waste at landfills or facilities, posing risk of explosions due to propellants or liquid contents.
You can recycle empty aerosol cans as scrap metal by taking them to a scrap metal recycling facility near you.
Recycling System
Every year, American industries consume a staggering 3,000,000,000 aerosol cans, resulting in 375,000 tons of steel, enough to produce 500,000 cars.
Recycling empty aerosol cans is a great way to keep them out of landfills. Take them to a scrap metal recycling facility near you.
The Justrite Aerosolv Aerosol Recycling System is a revolutionary solution that allows users to convert spent aerosols into recyclable steel containers with minimal maintenance required. This system is EPA certified and provides a secure method for the disposal of hazardous aerosol spray cans.
Take a look at this: Dart Container Foam Recycling Drop-off
Proper disposal of pressurized aerosol cans is crucial to avoid hazardous waste at landfills or facilities, which can pose a risk of explosions due to propellants or liquid contents. Non-compliance with proper disposal guidelines can result in hefty fines for companies.
The Aerosolv aerosol can puncture system eliminates an entire RCRA waste stream and significantly reduces disposal costs.
Will Ecology Adopt Universal Waste Rule?
Ecology has not adopted the EPA's rules for universal waste aerosol cans, so businesses must manage them according to specific guidelines.
Aerosol cans pose risks due to their contents being under pressure, often toxic, and possibly flammable.
Businesses must handle aerosol cans with care to protect workers and the environment.
Completely emptying aerosol cans is crucial, as it makes them non-hazardous waste that can be recycled.
If you're a household or individual looking to recycle, you can call 1-800-RECYCLE for assistance.
Tips and Precautions
Aerosol cans require special care, even when empty or partially full. They're pressurized, which means they can explode if crushed or heated.
Don't put partially full aerosol cans in the trash. Empty the can through normal use, then recycle.
If you're recycling aerosol cans, ask your metal recycler if they require you to puncture and drain the can first.
Checking Empty Status

To check if a container is empty, you need to consider two key factors: the pressure inside the container and the amount of product remaining.
The pressure inside the container should be equal to or nearly equal to atmospheric pressure. This is a crucial indicator that the container is empty.
You can also check if the contents are completely sprayed out and minimal or no product remains in the can. This is a clear sign that the container is empty and ready for disposal or refilling.
Here's a quick checklist to help you confirm the empty status:
- The pressure inside the container is equal or nearly equal to atmospheric pressure.
- The contents are completely sprayed out and minimal or no product remains in the can.
Handle with Care
Empty aerosol cans are not considered hazardous waste, but they're still pressurized and can explode if crushed or heated.
To minimize the risk, it's best not to put partially full aerosol cans in the trash.
If you have an empty aerosol can, you can empty it through normal use, then recycle it.
Some metal recyclers might require you to puncture and drain aerosol cans before recycling, so be sure to check with them first.
What If You Don't Empty the Can?

If you don't empty your aerosol cans following the steps outlined above, then you must manage the contents as dangerous waste.
You'll need to send the can with its contents to a permitted hazardous waste service provider, or remove the contents and manage them as dangerous waste. This option lowers the amount of dangerous waste your business has to dispose of.
To remove the contents and manage them as dangerous waste, you'll need to puncture the can with a commercial puncturing device, and drain and collect the contents. Properly label the collection container used to hold the contents, and keep it closed when not in use.
Here's a step-by-step guide to removing the contents:
- Puncture the can with a commercial puncturing device.
- Drain and collect the contents and manage as dangerous waste.
- Properly label the collection container used to hold the contents.
- If pouring into a funnel, remove the drained aerosol can promptly once empty, and close and latch the funnel lid promptly.
- Recycle the empty aerosol can.
Remember to recycle the empty aerosol can once you've removed the contents.
The Hidden Dangers
Aerosol containers can be a real fire hazard if not disposed of properly.
Properly disposing of aerosol containers is crucial to prevent fires.
In the event of a fire, aerosol containers can explode and cause serious injury.

Explosions can be triggered by heat, sparks, or flames.
Aerosol containers can also cause environmental pollution if not disposed of correctly.
Improper disposal can lead to contamination of soil and water sources.
Aerosol containers are made of a combination of materials, including steel, aluminum, and plastic.
Steel and aluminum are recyclable, but plastic components are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What container is used for aerosols?
Aerosols are dispensed from metal cans or plastic bottles designed to release liquid contents as a mist or foam. This type of container was first developed in 1941 by American chemist Lyle D. Goodhue and others.
Sources
- https://www.britannica.com/technology/aerosol-container
- https://www.plastipak.com/products/aerosol/
- https://www.justrite.com/aerosol-can-recycling
- https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/dangerous-waste-guidance/common-dangerous-waste/aerosol-cans
- https://safetymanagementgroup.com/blog/the-hidden-dangers-of-aerosol-cans/
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