How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans Safely in the UK

Aerosol cans are used every day for products such as deodorants, hairspray, cleaning products, paints and air fresheners. Once they have been used, it's important to dispose of them responsibly rather than simply putting them in the general rubbish.

If you're wondering how to dispose of aerosols in the UK, there are safe and environmentally responsible options available. Aerosol cans are often recyclable, but because they are pressurised containers, they need to be handled with care.

This guide explains what aerosol cans are made from, why they require special attention and how to recycle them safely.

How to Recycle Aerosol Cans

What Are Aerosol Cans Made From?

Aerosol cans are generally made from steel or aluminium, both of which are valuable and recyclable metals.

Recycling these materials helps recover useful resources and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill. Once processed, recycled steel and aluminium can be used to manufacture new products.

Many aerosol cans also have plastic caps or other plastic components. These may need to be separated from the metal container depending on the recycling facilities and collection rules in your area.

Always check your local recycling guidance before placing an aerosol can in your household recycling.

Why Does Aerosol Disposal Require Care?

Although aerosol cans may look like ordinary metal containers, they are pressurised. A can that appears empty may still contain some product or residual pressure.

Damaging, puncturing, crushing or exposing an aerosol can to high temperatures can create a serious safety hazard. This is particularly important when cans are collected alongside other waste and processed using compacting machinery.

For this reason, never deliberately puncture, crush, burn or cut an aerosol can to dispose of it.

If an aerosol can is damaged, leaking or still contains a significant amount of product, seek appropriate advice rather than putting it into a standard recycling container.

How Should You Dispose of Aerosol Cans?

The correct disposal method depends on whether the can is completely empty and on the recycling facilities available in your area.

Empty Aerosol Cans

If the can is completely empty, it can often be recycled with metal packaging.

Before recycling an empty aerosol:

• Make sure there is no product left inside.
• Do not puncture or crush the can.
• Keep it away from heat and naked flames.
• Follow your local authority's recycling instructions.
• Separate removable plastic components if your local recycling guidance requires it.

An aerosol should be considered empty when no more product can be dispensed during normal use.

Aerosol Cans That Still Contain Product

Partially full aerosol cans require more care. Don't place them in your recycling bin unless your local authority or recycling provider specifically confirms that it accepts them.

Instead, check the appropriate disposal guidance or contact a professional waste-management or recycling service.

This is particularly important for commercial premises or anyone dealing with large quantities of aerosols.

Aerosol Can Disposal: Dos and Don'ts

Following a few simple precautions can make aerosol disposal much safer.

Do:

• Check whether the can is empty before recycling it.
• Store aerosol cans away from heat and ignition sources.
• Follow your local council's recycling requirements.
• Use an appropriate waste-management service for partially full cans.
• Keep aerosols separate from other scrap where required.

Don't:

• Don't puncture or drill aerosol cans.
• Don't crush or flatten them.
• Don't burn them.
• Don't expose them to excessive heat.
• Don't place partially full cans in recycling unless the service accepts them.
• Don't assume that recycling rules are the same everywhere in the UK.

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