1. Dennis Hansen
Hazardous Waste Compliance & Enforcement
Overcoming the Challenge of Managing
Aerosol Cans

2. Reasons cans become waste
• Cans are empty and product can no longer
be expelled
• Product has exceeded the useful shelf life
• Nozzle or valve fails
• Contents begin to solidify

3. To minimize waste disposal problems
• Purchase only what is required
• Follow label directions to prevent clogging
• Use the product within its useful shelf life
• Purchase products that do not have
hazardous characteristics

4. Waste Management Options
• If business is Conditionally Exempt Small
Quantity Generator: One or two cans on
an infrequent basis may be disposed in a
Missouri sanitary landfill

5. Empty aerosol cans
• Send to recycler as scrap metal or send to
sanitary landfill

6. Aerosol cans with contents
• If contents are non hazardous - send to a recycler* as
scrap metal or to a sanitary landfill
*Non-empty aerosol cans should only be sent to a recycler having a unit that is
capable of managing pressurized containers and able to properly capture and
manage all vented liquids, gases and propellants.
If aerosol cans are destined for scrap metal recycling, the process of emptying
the cans is considered part of the recycling process and a hazardous waste
treatment permit is not required for this activity.

7. Aerosol cans with contents (continued)
• If contents are hazardous - manage as hazardous waste
in satellite accumulation or storage
Options:
• Remove contents from can* and recycle as scrap metal
and manage contents as hazardous waste, or
• Manage entire aerosol can as hazardous waste
*Aerosol cans containing acutely toxic materials cannot be triple rinsed, therefore
disposal may be the only option.

8. Resources
• Hazardous Waste Program Fact Sheet,
Aerosol Cans – PUB 1084
http://dnr.mo.gov/pubs/index.html#HazardousWaste

9. For more information:
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Hazardous Waste Program – Compliance and Enforcement
P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176
573-751-2032 office
573-526-5268 fax
www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp