Waste aerosol cans are a potential safety and environmental concern because they may contain unused chemical products and propellants. Aerosol can waste includes empty aerosol cans, non-empty cans that contain unused liquid and propellants, and the contents drained from aerosol cans via a can-puncturing device. Employees must store and dispose of waste aerosol cans and any remaining contents in accordance with certain requirements:
n Empty cans. Use all the contents in the aerosol can before disposal. Empty aerosol cans are a Non-Haz-ardous Waste and must be recycled, if possible. Contact your local scrap metal contractor to obtain permission to place empty aerosol cans in the scrap metal recycling dumpster. Intact, empty aerosol cans may be disposed of in the trash when recycling is not possible.
n Non-empty cans (containing unused liquid and propellants). Do not dispose of non-empty aerosol cans in the regular trash. Aerosol cans that contain unused liquid or propellants and cannot be returned to the vendor or used until empty must be managed as a Hazardous Waste or as Universal Waste, depending on your state.
If it is not possible to use all the contents in an aerosol can and they cannot be returned to the vendor or repaired and used, choose one of the following options:
n Option 1 – manage and dispose of intact, non-empty cans as Hazardous Waste (or Universal Waste, if permitted by your state). Collect intact cans in a closed container that is labeled “Hazardous Waste – Aerosol Cans” or “Universal Waste – Aerosol Cans,” as applicable.
n Option 2 – puncture cans with a commercial aerosol can-puncturing system and drain contents into a drum or container labeled "Hazardous Waste – Aerosol Can Liquids" for at least 15 seconds. Mark the accumulation start date on the container of drained contents and manage the container as Hazardous Waste. Recycle punctured cans (empty cans) as scrap metal. Verify that can puncturing is allowed under state regulations and does not require a hazardous waste treatment permit. Comply with any state-specific requirements for puncturing (e.g., written procedures, training, inspections, or signage).
For both options, arrange for off-site disposal or recycling of non-empty aerosol cans or drained liquids using the USPS® National Waste Management Service Supplier in eBuy+ (see Safety-Kleen catalog). Keep a record of the shipment.
For more information on disposal options, refer to the Waste Aerosol Can Environmental Compliance Bulletin at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/waste/ecb-aerosolcans.pdf.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 8-10-23
