Understanding aerosol disposal

Aerosols are everywhere in our lives, from hairspray to deodorant, from air fresheners to cooking sprays. But how do we manage aerosol disposal? Have you ever wondered why aerosols go into general waste and not recycling, even though they are made of metal or plastic? If you have, then keep on reading because in this blog post, we’re going to explain the reasons behind this common misconception.

First of all, let’s clarify what we mean when we talk about aerosols. Aerosols are pressurized containers that contain a mixture of gas and liquid or solid particles. These containers are made of either metal or plastic, and depending on their contents, they can be flammable, toxic or corrosive. Given their highly pressurised nature, aerosols are unrecyclable in the traditional sense, as the gas inside cannot be easily removed.

Secondly, due to the danger posed by aerosol disposal, it’s imperative that aerosols go into general waste and not recycling. The contents inside an aerosol can pop, or ignite if the can is damaged or punctured in a recycling facility. As a result, some recycling facilities are hesitant to accept aerosol disposal as they do not want to put their workers or machinery at risk of one exploding when handled roughly.

In addition to safety concerns, aerosols also pose a challenge for recycling facilities due to their composition. Because aerosols are pressurized, the metal or plastic that makes up their casing is often coated in a layer of paint or lacquer. This makes recycling extremely difficult, if not impossible and time-consuming. For aerosol disposal through recycling, it would need to go through a complicated process of being punctured, drained, and flattened, which is costly and not feasible for many recycling facilities.

In summary, aerosols go into general waste and not recycling for several reasons. From safety concerns to the difficulty posed by their composition, recycling aerosols is a complex process that not many facilities are equipped to handle.

So, the next time you need to dispose of an aerosol, remember to put it in the general waste bin and not the recycling bin. By doing so, you’ll be keeping yourself and others safe and following proper waste disposal protocol.