Metal packaging

How to dispose of aerosol can.

Recommended answerEmpty household aerosols may be accepted with metal packaging in some systems; partly full or hazardous aerosols need special collection.

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Recommended route

Confirm the local aerosol rule and distinguish empty personal-care/food cans from hazardous products.

Before disposal or return

Use the product normally; do not deliberately vent it.
Leave valves intact unless local instructions say otherwise.

Do not

Do not puncture, crush or burn an aerosol can.

Reference sources

U.S. EPA — household hazardous wasteOpen source ↗U.S. EPA — common recyclablesOpen source ↗Recycle Now — item recycling guideOpen source ↗

Checked 2026-08-16

Confirm the local aerosol rule and distinguish empty personal-care/food cans from hazardous products.

Before disposal or return

Do not puncture, crush or burn an aerosol can.

Reference sources

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