Commercial Aerosols FAQs
Commercial aerosols are pressurized, non-refillable canisters used to dispense products, such as paints, cleaners and lubricants. They often contain propellants, like compressed gases or hydrocarbons, and are strictly regulated by the EPA and OSHA due to the risks they pose to both people and the environment.
As a leading manufacturer of EPA and OSHA compliant disposal and recycling systems for commercial aerosols, American Gas Products is highly knowledgeable about the associated rules and regulations. To help businesses stay safe and compliant, we’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about commercial aerosols below.
You can also learn more about our products by visiting Aerosol Can Disposal System & Recycling FAQs.
Commercial Aerosol Risks, Storage & Disposal FAQs
The main concerns with commercial aerosols are explosion due to heat exposure, fire due to flammable propellants, and projectile hazards in the event the pressurized canister ruptures. Commercial aerosol products also pose significant environmental risks, primarily through the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gas propellants, contributing to smog formation, air pollution and global warming.
Aerosol cans should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, sparks, and open flames. If they are Class 1 flammable liquids, OSHA requires that they be kept in approved flammable storage cabinets. Aerosol cans should never be stored near operating machinery or in hot trucks or vehicles.
Aerosol cans are generally considered hazardous waste, and cannot be thrown out in the trash, if they are still pressurized and contain flammable, corrosive or toxic materials.
Completely empty aerosol cans may be discarded in standard recycling, provided they have been punctured and drained with an EPA-compliant device, like the Can-Emitor. Full, partially full or damaged aerosol cans may be disposed of by following the EPA’s Universal Waste Program rules and regulations.
Puncturing and draining aerosol cans with an EPA-approved aerosol can recycling system, like the Can-Emitor, is best for high-volume commercial generators, such as manufacturers, maintenance and industrial facilities. This method allows for standard recycling, significantly reduces waste volume, and is often more cost-effective over time. The Universal Waste Program is better for households and small businesses who generate a small volume of aerosol cans.
Aerosol cans can be punctured and drained safely to recycle the metal and dispose of the liquids by using an EPA-compliant aerosol can recycling system, like the Can-Emitor. This fully sealed system allows for the safe management of hazardous vapors and liquid, as per 40 CFR § 273 requirements.
The Can-Emitor is the only aerosol can disposal system on the market that is completely sealed and able to safely puncture and empty spray cans of any size, in a matter of seconds, without the need for an external power source. It also complies with all OSHA, EPA and CA SB1158 requirements.
Simply attach the Can-Emitor to a 55-gallon drum, place the can into the evacuation chamber, and lower the cover to create an airtight seal. Next, pull the handle to inject the aerosol can puncturing tool and the liquid and propellant are expelled into the drum. The liquids remain in the drum and the propellants are channeled through the filter where the hydrocarbons are absorbed. Once this process is complete, the can is rendered harmless, non-explosive and environmentally safe for discard.
Watch our video to see the Can-Emitor in action.
