Aerosol Products

Hazards

• Aerosol cans containing propellant may explode if crushed or incinerated.
• Aerosol propellant can be flammable. Use away from heat or sparks.
• Breathing the propellant may be hazardous to human health.
• Some aerosol cans contain hazardous chemicals, e.g. pesticides, oven cleaner, etc.

Handling

• New can with defective nozzle should be returned to the point of purchase.
• Use up the contents or donate to someone who can use it. (The product and propellant are finely measured so that both are exhausted at the same time during usage.)
• Look for warning label on the product. Art materials are non-toxic if the label reads AP (approved product), CP (certified product), or HL (health label).
• Do not put full or partially full cans in the trash; they may explode in a trash truck.

Management Options

• Empty aerosol containers: Aerosol can is empty when you no longer hear any air released when the nozzle is depressed and the can feels empty when shaken.
  • If aerosol containers are acceptable in your local recycling program, remove plastic lid and place with recyclables. If not, place in the trash.
• Partially full containers that you know do not contain hazardous chemicals:
  • To empty the can of its non-hazardous contents, discharge outdoors into a deep cardboard box or paper bag, and allow the box or bag to dry before placing in the trash. The empty aerosol container can then be recycled or disposed.
• All other aerosol containers:
  • Save for a household hazardous waste collection or take to a commercial hazardous waste facility.