Universal Waste for Residents – Non-Empty Aerosol Cans

Non-Empty Aerosol Cans that Contain Hazardous Materials

Many products contained in aerosol cans are toxic.  And many aerosol cans contain flammables, like butane, as propellants for products like paint.  If your aerosol can is labeled with words like TOXIC or FLAMMABLE, don’t put it in the trash unless it is completely empty.  If you have a partially full can that you need to dispose of, you can take it to your local household hazardous waste facility or to a participating retailer.

Does a can have to be empty before I dispose of it?

Aerosol cans must be empty prior to throwing them away.

What can I do with my totally empty cans?

If you push the nozzle and nothing comes out, and the nozzle isn’t clogged, you can throw the can in the trash or take it to a scrap metal recycler.