Everyone looks for ways to recycle the products we use and to keep as much out of our landfill space as possible. Therefore, we thought it would be useful to our customers to have some tips and tricks on how to properly dispose of aerosol cans.

Should an aerosol can be empty to be recycled?

If the contents of a can have been used up and it no longer sprays, the can can usually be deposited to any recycler that’s known to handle the cans, which are usually made of steel or aluminum. If there are still contents within the can, it should be properly processed by a household hazardous waste-processing facility. Even “empty” cans contain remnants and should never been punctured by anyone other than a certified recycler.

If there are leftovers in an aerosol can, consider either using the product up, giving it to someone else who could use it, or bringing it to your Household Hazardous Waste  Collection Site.  Some counties have Reuse Rooms where residents can bring unused household items like paint or cleaners for others to use.  All HHW Collection Sites will accept your full or partially full aerosol cans for disposal.

Should I take of the lid and spray nozzle before recycling?

Lids are usually made of plastic and separate from the steel or aluminum can and can be removed before recycling. Do not remove the spray nozzle from an aerosol can, as even when the inside contents have been spent, cans are pressurized and can pose a danger if punctured.

Our Products:

Cosmetics
Lotions, deodorants, shower gel, facial wash, body spray, hand & body creams/lotions, facial mist, shampoo, barrier spray
Sun Care
Self tanning spray, tanning gel, tanning oil, sunscreen, cooling tanning lotions & gel, aloe healing lotion & gel, pre-sunless scrub, spray exfoliants
Miscellaneous
Skin lightening spray, shimmer gel & lotion, tattoo protecting lotion, barrier glaze