Spray Can Disposal

Basics

• This page aims for cover the reasons for, and proper means (at various scales) to Safely Dispose of Spray Cans (For “Jet Spray” Products such as Parts Cleaner Spray Cans / Penetrating Oil like PB Blaster or Seafoam Spray and to a lesser extent WD-40 etc) / Aerosol Spray Cans (Such as Spray Paint or Pesticide cans etc
• To an extent this also covers disposable Butane and Iso-Butane canisters etc, but those can get their own pages as well

Reasons for Proper Disposal

• While not AS large of a concern as mass volumes of Flammable Liquids (such as Used Oil , Stale Fuel, and Saturated Used Oil Filters / Oily Rags etc, the residual gas and/or fluid can pose a risk of Fires / Spontaneous Combustion etc downstream (Such as in Trash Cans/Dumpsters, In Garbage Trucks, In Waste Transfer Stations / Tipping Yards in Materials Recover Facilities / Waste Incineration / W2E Plants, OR in a Sanitary Landfill
• Basically any time it sits and either generates heat by oxidation/catalytic enhanced oxidation (Re: Oily Rags ) , or is heated, and/or is crushed, bad stuff can happen
• Again not the BIGGEST risk, but large enough special consideration is warranted

Small Scale

• A special tool can be used to “punch” a hole into the side or base of the can
  • Care should be taken that it is depressurized (ie “spent” ) before doing so, and further care to catch any residual non- Propellant liquids for proper disposal (and not have it splash in eyes etc)

Larger Scale

• These handheld tools (or even an Awl on a swiss army knife etc) work, but in terms of PPE is the Last Resort perspective / Hierarchy of Controls at the corperate/community level a more shielded semi-automatic or automatic system is desirable
  • These also increase Labor Productivity if large amounts are to be processed

Outsourcing It

• Household Hazardous Waste collection points exist for small scale
• For larger scale, and especially corporate level work, contact an Environmental Services Company
  • Most likely, it will be drummed up in a 55 Gallon Drum , labeled, and collected by the company
  • They can provide the drum too, but besides that (and means to open/move it/ergonomic aid etc, and paperwork+money, they mostly handle it
    • Also removes any liability etc, although with proper controls+training+basic tools it is a low risk process

External Links

• An Amazon Listing for the “ CANARY Butane Canister Punch Tool 5.5" Recycling Tool, Safe Puncture Tool with Spray Guard for Disposing Camping Stoves, Isobutane Gas Canisters, and Spray Cans, Made in JAPAN” ( ‘’’~8 USD Each as of this Edit’’’ )