Waste aerosol cans are a potential safety and environmental concern because they may contain unused chemical products and propellant. Waste aerosol cans include empty aerosol cans, non-empty cans that contain unused liquid and propellants, and cans where the contents were drained by a can puncturing device. Employees must store and dispose of waste aerosol cans and any remaining contents in accordance with the following requirements:
n Empty Cans: Use all the contents in the aerosol can before disposal. Empty aerosol cans are a “Non-Hazardous Waste” and should be recycled, if possible. Contact your local scrap metal contractor to get permission to place empty aerosol cans in the scrap-metal recycling dumpster. Dispose of empty intact aerosol cans may be disposed in the trash if recycling is not possible.
n Non-Empty Cans (containing unused liquid and propellants): Do not dispose of non-empty aerosol cans in regular trash. Aerosol cans that contain unused liquid or unspent propellants that cannot be returned to the vendor or used until empty must be managed as “Hazardous Waste” or as “Universal Waste,” depending on your state and its specific requirements.
If it is not possible to use all the contents in an aerosol can or they cannot be returned to the vendor, use one of the following options to manage non-empty waste aerosol cans:
n Option 1: Manage and dispose of non-empty, intact cans as Hazardous Waste (or Universal Waste, if allowed by your state). Collect intact cans in a closed container that is labeled as “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, signage).
Note: USPS® does not allow aerosol can puncturing to be conducted in California due to the state’s extensive regulatory requirements.
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 available in eBuyPlus (see Safety-Kleen catalog) and keep a record of the shipment.
For more information on disposal options, see 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, 7-25-24
