Universal Waste – Aerosol Cans
Federal Regulation 40 CFR Part 273
State Regulation 10 CSR 25-16.273
MDNR Waste Aerosol Can Decision Tree
SPENT AEROSOL CANS
Aerosol cans become waste when they are empty and product can no longer be expelled, or when the product has exceeded the useful shelf life. Sometimes aerosol cans become waste when the nozzle or valve fails or the contents begin to solidify. If properly recycled as scrap metal, empty aerosol cans may be managed under the Universal Waste Rule instead of the more stringent hazardous waste regulations.
HANDLING
To ensure aerosol cans are empty, it is recommended to use an appropriate system that will puncture (depressurize) the cans. Then, any residual liquid should be drained into a container and managed as a hazardous waste (refer to Hazardous Waste section of ECAM). If waste streams are different (such as aerosol cans with flammable paint wastes and aerosol cans with toxic insect spray), it is recommended that these drained liquids are managed in separate containers. In addition, full or partially full unused or broken aerosol cans must be managed as a hazardous waste.
STORAGE
Empty or spent aerosol cans are not required to be labeled. However, spent aerosol cans cannot accumulate for more than one (1) year after the initial storage date. Therefore, it is recommended that cans are containerized and clearly labeled with the accumulation start date, the date the first can was placed in the container.
DISPOSAL
Aerosol cans cannot be disposed of into the environment. If the can is empty of all liquids, gases, and propellants, it may be recycled or disposed of in a sanitary landfill. Recycling as scrap metal is strongly encouraged by MDNR.
Rob LeForce, AECI, revised 8/12/2015