Aerosol Cans

Aerosol cans are a common waste generated by most businesses. Aerosol cans contain a product and propellant under pressure.  The product is released from the aerosol can (the container) in the form of a spray or mist when the nozzle is pressed to apply the product.  As the product is used, the propellant is also used.  An aerosol can is specifically defined under the hazardous waste regulations as a non-refillable container that:

• Contains a gas compressed, liquified, or dissolved under pressure, for which the sole purpose is to spray a liquid, paste, or power, and 
• Is fitted with a self-closing release device which allows the contents to be ejected by the gas.

Examples of products commonly dispensed using aerosol cans include the following:

• Maintenance products (degreasers and cleaners)
• Beauty products (hair sprays and perfumes)
• Surface coating products (paints and varnishes)
• Personal care products
• Pharmaceutical products (inhalers), and
• Pesticides (ant or wasp sprays).

When managed as universal waste, the universal waste handler regulations require handlers to manage aerosol cans in a way that prevents a release of any component of universal waste to the environment. Universal waste aerosol cans must be accumulated in a container that is structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the aerosol cans, and lacks evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage. Containers must be protected from heat sources (e.g., open flames; lightning; smoking; cutting and welding; hot surfaces; frictional heat; and static, electrical, and mechanical sparks).

When managed as universal waste, the universal waste handler regulations require handlers to manage aerosol cans in a way that prevents a release of any component of universal waste to the environment. Universal waste aerosol cans must be accumulated in a container that is structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the aerosol cans, and lacks evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage. Containers must be protected from heat sources (e.g., open flames; lightning; smoking; cutting and welding; hot surfaces; frictional heat; and static, electrical, and mechanical sparks).