How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans in Washington State

Aerosol cans hold pressurized contents often considered to be dangerous waste. The Washington State Department of Ecology requires the contents of aerosol cans be drained in a way that minimizes exposure to hazardous materials before the cans themselves can be recycled.



Aerosol cans that have been emptied through regular use can be recycled as scrap metal without following a hazardous materials draining process. Whether draining or emptying through use, aerosol cans are considered empty when no longer pressurized.

Things You'll Need

• Commercial puncturing device
• Hazardous waste container with lid

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Instructions

• 1

  Puncture the can with a commercial puncturing device designed to drain compressed gas cylinders.

• 2

  Drain and collect the contents of the can in a container designed for hazardous waste. Put a hazardous waste and risk labels on the container. Replace the lid, keeping the container closed when not in use.

• 3

  Recycle empty aerosol cans as scrap metal.