Do Not Throw Away Filled Aerosol Spray Cans
Back in May, a lawsuit alleged that Pam’s old cooking sprays exploded, causing at least eight people to get burned (and even blinded someone in one eye).
Typically, aerosol cans – like conventional cooking oil sprays – have a much greater potential to cause accidents than other recyclable materials because they are under pressure. The cans themselves usually contain a liquid, such as hairspray or air freshener, and a propellant , a gas that pushes the liquid outward, forming a cloud or spray. (Since the late 1970s, manufacturers have phased out the use of chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs as propellants after it became known to deplete the ozone layer.)
Recycling aerosol cans is actually easy, depending on the rules of your local roadside program (and the can is valuable to recyclers because of its aluminum, steel, and other metal components). But as the Recycle Nation points out, under pressure can also pose a serious hazard to recycling workers. “Aerosols, even with a small amount of paint or insect spray, still contain some of this propellant, and they can explode under pressure, injuring sanitary workers or damaging equipment.”
Before turning in a jar for recycling, first search the Internet for your program rules. Depending on your local program, they may accept your banks in the blue basket. And if your jar has a plastic lid, be sure to add it along with your other plastic lids.
However, there is one exception. If your can is full or nearly full, you probably won’t be able to recycle it into the trash can, as the leftover liquid is considered hazardous waste that could pose a threat to the environment in the event of a leak (e.g. insecticides.). Instead, find a hazardous waste facility near you that will accept your cans using the Earth911 search directory . And check your program rules again, whether they accept full banks or not; Some facilities may be equipped to handle and separate liquids and dispose of them correctly.
And, as Recycle Nation suggests, use leftover liquid or find a friend who might need it before you decide to recycle it. And, as always, keep Pam cans away from hot stoves.