Recycling Aerosol Cans in the Golden State

By Dan Carver
Jan 19, 2021
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Going Green in California, Complying with Regulations and Saving Money

As reported by Reuters in its 2014 article, AT&T reached a settlement with the state of California to pay $52 million in penalties and environmental compliance. Investigators found the company illegally disposed of hazardous waste (including aerosol can disposal) at facilities across the state over a nine-year period. They sent this waste to ordinary landfill sites not permitted to receive contaminants.

Often, aerosol cans are not completely empty when discarded. They contain small quantities of product and propellant. Both are potentially hazardous to the environment. Regulators in California have stepped up their efforts to control this source of hazardous waste.

California Universal Waste Rule and How It Pertains to Aerosol Can Disposal

California Code of Regulations title 22 exempts households and very small generators of universal waste from requirements applying to larger universal waste generators. However, this exemption does not pertain to the disposal of aerosol cans. Only aerosols that are completely empty may be disposed as universal waste in California.

Handling aerosol cans as hazardous waste protects the environment from long-term impacts. Regulators can impose severe financial fines for non-compliance.

How can companies that generate aerosol can waste ensure all cans are completely emptied and suitable for recycling or disposal as universal waste? Use the Aerosolv® 7000XL Dual Compliant Aerosol Can Recycling System. After extensive field testing and evaluation, California EPA's Department of Toxic Substances Control certified it as Hazardous Waste Treatment Technology.

How the Aerosolv 7000XL Works to Recycle Aerosol Cans

Aerosolv 7000 XL systems fit directly onto standard 30- or 55-gallon drums. The Aerosolv puncturing unit screws into the 2-inch bung. Place an inverted aerosol can into the unit and lock the plate in position. Pressing the handle pierces the dome of the can with a non-sparking puncture pin. The remaining contents drain into the drum. An activated carbon filter treats any vapors emitted from the drum before releasing them to the atmosphere. Keep checking the colormetric filter indicator and replace when the carbon is spent.

Aerosolv 7000XL includes a polyethylene containment sump, polyethylene lid and an automatic check valve to ensure a closed filter system. Cans processed through it comply with the California Universal Waste Rule.

Save Money and Protect the Environment

To dispose of aerosol cans as hazardous waste can be very expensive. It can cost up to $750 per 55-gallon drum. Each drum holds about 125 aerosol cans, which equates to a disposal cost of $3 to $6 per can. Aerosolv systems collect the residual liquid of up to 4000 cans per 55-gallon drum. This is equal to 32 55-gallon drums of normal hazardous waste disposal.

Along with costs savings, Aerosolv systems also provide environmental sustainability. They reduce waste that goes to landfill sites and create recyclable steel. Capturing the vented propellant through the carbon filter prevents air pollution.

Purchase Your Aerosolv 7000 XL System Today for Aerosol Can Disposal

Justrite Aerosolv 7000XL systems help you comply with the California Universal Waste Rule. Order the Aerosolv 7000XL today to prevent fines and improve your environmental sustainability via aerosol can recycling.