Waste » Business » Paint » Aerosol Can, Empty
Aerosol cans are not dangerous waste if they are used until no more product comes out. However partially full (for instance if the nozzle doesn't work) or full discarded cans may be a dangerous waste because the contents are under pressure and may be toxic or flammable.
There are two options for disposing of aerosol cans with hazardous contents:
1. Send the can with its contents to a permitted dangerous waste facility.
2. Puncture the can with a commercial puncturing device. Drain and collect the contents, and manage as dangerous waste. This means putting a dangerous waste label and risk label on the container used to hold the contents and keeping it closed when not in use. Recycle empty cans as scrap metal.
Dangerous waste aerosol cans or drained contents must be stored, counted, labeled, and reported according to dangerous waste requirements. These are described in the Department of Ecology's "Focus on Aerosol Can Management" guide.
Remove the tips before placing empty aerosol cans in the trash.
Check labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to make sure the product does not add unnecessary hazards to your shop. Look for less hazardous formulations.
Buying the product in bulk and using refillable spray bottles may generate less aerosol can waste.
Department of Ecology's "Focus on Aerosol Can Management"
