Way to Recycle Spray Paint Cans

Spray paint cans are pressurized containers of paint that are made out tin plated steel or aluminum. Like all objects made of metal, they can also be recycled. Empty spray paint cans should be recycled to help save the environment. They should not be disposed together with the household trash. There are still other uses for an empty spray paint can. They should not be thrown directly into the trash as soon as they are empty.

Local Recycling Center

• Most cities have a local recycling facility that handles the recycling of materials that may contain hazardous chemicals. Empty spray paint cans may be dropped into the bin specifically for steel or aluminum at the recycling facility. Some cities allow these types of cans to be disposed at a designated curbside bin. You just have to make sure that the cans are completely empty. You can do this by spraying onto an old newspaper until the can is completely empty of paint. Spray paint cans must not be punctured even when empty. If punctured, hazardous gases may be released into the air. Spray paint cans are pressurized, so puncturing them may cause injury. Recycling facilities have devices and machines purposely designed for puncturing aerosol cans.

  Some communities have a buy-back program for recyclable materials like spray paint cans. They pay you for every can that you return to them. You get a little money back and at the same time help save the environment. Every spray paint can that gets recycled means less trash in the landfill. They should be disposed of properly and with care. Exposing them to high temperatures or to an open flame may cause an explosion because of the pressure inside the can. Just to be safe, empty spray paint cans must be recycled.

Create Something Useful

• With a little creativity, you can still make something useful out of empty spray paint cans. Believe it or not, the empty cans can be used to make lamps for the home. Before making a lamp out of them, the pressure inside must be carefully removed. Make sure to work in an open area and away from an open flame while doing this. After the pressure has been removed the bottom part of the can must also be removed. This is where you will fit in the glass cover for the lamp.

  The bulb holder will be placed at the top part of the can with the wire passing through the nozzle. The outside part of the can must be painted with attractive colors to give more pizazz to the lamp. That's it! You already have yourself a lamp. It's that easy.