How To Dispose Of Spray Paint Cans
Do you have old spray paint cans that are taking up space in your garage? Whether they're empty from a DIY project you completed or are just old, those aerosol cans present an environmental and personal injury risk, as the paint often contains toxic ingredients, and the compressed air can be a hazard. While local regulations and disposal options can vary, the best way to dispose of spray paint cans is to recycle them through a hazardous waste program or take them to a hazardous waste collection event. Learn how to dispose of spray paint cans properly before you toss your aerosol cans.
Warning
Always use caution when handling aerosol cans; they're flammable even if they seem empty. The residual product or propellant inside the can could ignite in certain situations.
Why Can't You Throw Away Spray Paint Cans?
Aerosol cans may hold a variety of contents, including hair spray, insecticides, lubricants, air fresheners, and paint — and many of these are toxic to the environment. Aerosol cans typically contain propellants, gases, and solvents in addition to the actual product. Not only do many aerosol cans contain hazardous materials but the contents are also under pressure, which adds to the complexity of getting rid of them. The pressurized containers could explode, which is a hazard to workers and equipment if you simply dispose of the cans in the garbage.
While tossing aerosol cans in the trash might not be illegal, it is potentially dangerous. Proper handling reduces the impact on the environment and reduces the risk of injury to yourself and waste management workers.
Can You Recycle Empty Spray Paint Cans?
Yes, empty aerosol cans are recyclable items, but you might not be able to toss them in your regular recycling bin for curbside pickup. Most of the cans are made of steel or aluminum, making them a recyclable item, so you can keep that household waste out of landfills. The metal cans become scrap metal, which manufacturers can reuse to make other items.
Tip
Some municipalities allow you to put empty aerosol cans in your recycling bins, but others don't, so you'll need to find a recycling center that accepts these items.
However, aerosol can recycling requires proper handling by a waste management professional. Before metal recycling can happen, the waste handler depressurizes the can using special equipment. Puncturing a spray paint can yourself to depressurize it is extremely dangerous. Leave the can intact when recycling it and allow the waste-handling company to deal with the pressurized gases inside the can.
How to Dispose of Spray Paint Cans
It's important to find environmentally safe ways to dispose of waste, and particularly hazardous waste like spray paint cans. Proper preparation ensures the cans are safe for you and any waste management employees who handle them after you toss them. Follow these steps on how to dispose of spray paint cans to clean your garage and keep your community safer:
1. Prepare the Aerosol Can for Disposal
If your spray paint cans are already empty, they're ready for recycling or disposal. You can verify that the cans are empty by shaking them and listening for any liquid paint to slosh around inside the can. You can also hold down the button for 10 to 15 seconds to make sure no paint sprays out.
Remove the cap from the can, since this is typically made of plastic and is recycled separately from metal. Verify the type of plastic used on the cap and ensure your local recycling program accepts that type of plastic. Recycling both parts of the can cuts down on waste in the landfill. Never try to remove the plastic nozzle, though, as it can affect the pressurization of the can and make it dangerous.
Tip
If you have a partial or full can of spray paint that's still good, consider options for using it up on a small project so you can empty the can. Another option is donating the paint to a community theater or similar organization that might have a use for the paint if it's still in good condition.
Your options for how to dispose of spray paint cans vary based on your location. Some areas allow you to place completely empty spray paint cans in your normal curbside bins. If your community doesn't have that option, putting the cans in your recycling bins can put the workers at risk since the cans can explode or catch fire. Always follow local regulations and procedures.
If putting the cans in your curbside recycling bins isn't an option, check for a local recycling center that accepts them. Many waste management facilities offer a drop-off option for materials like spray paint cans. If you can't find the information on the agency's website, call them to verify that the waste facility can accept them.
You'll likely need to drop off the cans at a specific spot to keep them separate from other items. Verify the drop-off location for aerosol cans when you arrive to increase the safety of the workers. Most recycling centers have open hours during the day but make sure you don't need an appointment before you go.
Many waste management facilities accept full or partially full spray paint cans as well. They are usually considered to be hazardous waste and may need to be dropped off at a different location. Separate your full and empty paint cans before dropping them off to make the process easier and safer.
If you have full or unopened spray paint cans, another option is a household hazardous waste drop-off event. Many communities host these events several times per year to allow residents to dispose of dangerous materials safely, including full or partial spray paint cans. Since the remaining paint is considered hazardous waste, it needs to be handled differently from empty cans.
Some hazardous waste events or collection sites might have restrictions, such as a maximum number of spray paint cans you can drop off. Others might offer the program only to residents of the community. Verify the details of the event before hauling your cans there for disposal.