Q&A for How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans

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Where can I dispose of an aerosol can?

James Guth
Painting Specialist
James Guth is the co-owner and founder of Chesapeake Painting Services LLC. With over 20 years of experience, James specializes in exterior and interior painting, drywall, powerwashing, wallpaper, staining, sealing, and carpentry. James holds a BS in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Towson University

James Guth

Painting Specialist

Expert Answer

It depends on what was in the can. If it's non-hazardous and you've completely emptied the can, you may be able to discard it with your regular trash. If it was a hazardous material or oil, you may need to wait for hazardous waste pick up. I would check with your local waste management department for more specific guidelines.

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Question

I have a can of expired olive oil spray. It's not empty, it can't be used, and it's not hazardous. How do I dispose?

Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.

Mark Spelman

Construction Professional

Expert Answer

Olive oil is ok to pour outside. Since it is not hazardous, you can then dispose of the can.

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Question

Is "dangerous for the environment" the same as "hazardous"? Can an empty can be disposed of as waste?

Community Answer

The "dangerous for the environment" refers to the compressed gas that is used in aerosol cans to help propel the contents. "Hazardous" covers a lot of things. But it's just used to inform you that it's a dangerous product if used wrong. Meaning, if there are still any contents in the can and it's compressed/flattened or burned it can explode and cause harm to anyone or anything nearby. Seeing as it's an empty can, I think it can be disposed of as regular waste.

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How do I dispose of a nonstick cooking spray aerosol can?

Trevor McDowell

Community Answer

Cooking spray is just cooking oil; it is not hazardous. Just spray into the trash or onto cardboard to empty, then dispose of both.

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What is the safest way to get rid of a can of sunscreen spray can that is half-full?

Trevor McDowell

Community Answer

If you cannot use the sunscreen, it is okay to spray the can empty onto some cardboard or paper towels, then dispose of the cardboard and the can. Be sure to spray empty outside.

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How do I dispose of 3 cases of wasp spray?

PVTs

Community Answer

Call the information line for your town/city and they can tell you how and where to take them.

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