How To Dispose Of Spray Paint Cans (5 Great Benefits of Proper Disposal)
Do you have some old spray paint cans that need disposing of? If so, you may be wondering how to dispose of spray paint cans properly. In this article, we’ll detail the regulations regarding the proper disposal of spray paint cans so stick around!
Throwing away a spray paint can in the trash isn’t safe or legal in many cases. Spray paint contains toxic chemicals like benzene, toluene, and xylene, which are linked to health defects. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) has regulations on disposing of spray paint cans. If you don’t follow these guidelines, you could be fined.
So, if you’re wondering how to dispose of spray paint cans properly, you’ll definitely want to read the rest of this blog, where we’ll detail the specifics of this legislation and give you some practical steps for disposing of your own spray paint cans at home.
What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act or RCRA is an act that was passed by Congress in October of 1976. This act, enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensures that harmful chemicals and hazardous materials are disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible way. This act covers a number of harmful chemicals, including many of those found in aerosol paint cans.
What are the RCRA requirements Detailing how to dispose of spray paint cans?
Most spray paint cans used in workplaces contain hazardous materials, which means either the product or its propellant is harmful to the environment. Therefore, spray paint cans must be disposed of properly.
If you don’t properly handle hazardous waste, you could be fined for it. Aerosol or spray paint cans that have been used but not yet emptied are considered hazardous waste. It is illegal to throw aerosol or spray paint cans into the trash. RCRA defines federal laws for properly managing and disposing of hazardous and non-hazards wastes.
RCRA covers the proper disposal of aerosols. If the can cannot be recycled, it has to be treated as hazardous waste. However, if companies can guarantee they can be sure the can is empty, they can treat it as normal waste and recycle it. When the can meets the conditions specified in Guideline 40 CFR 261.1 (c) (6), it is considered recycled.
RCRA Requirements for Aerosol Disposal
You can exclude aerosols or spray paint cans from the hazardous waste category in two ways.
- If the contents of the can are hazardous substances, then the can must completely empty. To be RCRA empty, cans must contain no greater than 1 inch or 3% by weight of residue. These empty cans are classified as non-hazardous waste by RCRA.
- The propellant used for spraying the contents of the can could also be hazardous. Therefore, the propellant must be completely used up, which balances out the can to atmospheric pressure.
Most spray paint cans that are ready for disposal will typically fail at least one of these criteria. If left untreated, they will be classified by the RCRA as hazardous waste. Therefore, you need to take care of the spray paint cans before disposing of them.
How to Properly Dispose of Spray Paint Cans
When you are done using the spray paint cans, you should always make sure they are empty. You can do this by using Aerosol can recycling systems. These machines are designed specifically for emptying aerosol cans. Theses systems are available online or at most hardware stores.
I would recommend using Justrite Aerosolv Aerosol recycling systems for the best results. It is very easy to use. You can use any standard 30- or 50-gallon drum for mounting the puncturing device. Then, place an upside-down spray paint can into position and clamp it into place. A pointed, non-sparkling pin pierces the can, causing the rest of its contents to pour out into the drum and the propellant.
A two-piece charcoal and activated carbon filter absorbs odors and vapors from the drum. When full, dispose of it by following appropriate regulations.
Ensure that the drum and puncturing devices are electrically connected before using them. This prevents static buildup, which could cause an explosion.
By using this system, you can ensure that your spray paint cans are disposed of safely.
Also read: Why is spray paint flammable?
Why Is Aerosol or Spray Paint Can Recycling Important?
As mentioned above, some aerosol cans may be classified as hazardous waste. The RCRA requires that all recyclable materials be separated from other types of waste.
You should avoid throwing spray paint cans away because there are many reasons why they might not be able to be recycled. Following are some of the major reasons.
- Risk of fire
- Risk of contamination
- Risk of environmental damage
Risk of fire
Spray paint cans have the potential to explode when exposed to heat. If the can is not properly emptied, the remaining material could create a hazard. Unless aerosol cans have been completely emptied in a safe way, they pose a risk to recycling or landfill workers.
If you’re going to recycle aerosol cans, don’t throw them in the trash. A prominent recycling company in the UK had a fire caused by an aerosol spray can. This is because of many people don’t know how to properly dispose of aerosol cans. Some people even throw them away, thinking they can be recycled.
It is very important to ensure the spray paint cans are fully emptied before recycling them.
Risk of contamination
Spray paints are often mixed with solvents and other chemicals. The solvent evaporates over time, leaving behind a sticky substance on the inside of the can.
This substance is referred to as coking. If you try to recycle the can, coking will build up in the machine, making it difficult to operate. Eventually, the machine will have to be replaced.
Risk of environmental damage
Some aerosols contain toxic substances such as cadmium, chromium, arsenic, etc. These substances are harmful if they get into the water supply.
In addition, these substances are also known to leach out of the landfills where they were placed.
Most states require special disposal methods for hazardous waste. In order to comply with these laws, you must follow proper procedures to dispose of aerosol cans correctly.
What are the benefits of recycling aerosol or spray paint cans?
There are several benefits to recycling aerosol or spray paint cans. Some of the major benefits are discussed below.
- Protects our environment
- Saves money
- Preserves natural resources
- Improves public health
- Reduces solid waste
Protects our environment
Recycling aerosol cans reduces the amount of pollution we generate. It also helps reduce the amount of energy required to produce new products.
Saves money
When you recycle aerosol cans, you help keep costs low. By reducing the number of new cans produced, you conserve resources.
Preserves natural resources
When you recycle aerosols, you help preserve the earth’s natural resources. Steel and aluminum are the most common materials used for spray paint cans. Each year, American industry consumes approximately 3 billion aerosol cans, enough steel to produce half a million cars.
Improves public health
By properly recycling and disposing of the spray paint or aerosol can, you are protecting your family and friends from harmful substances and chemicals.
Reduces solid waste
By recycling aerosol cans, you are reducing the amount of solid waste generated. Solid waste includes items like paper, plastic bottles, glass jars, metal cans, magazines, etc. This type of waste takes up space in landfills and causes air pollution.
Summary of how to dispose of spray paint cans
Aerosol or spray paint cans are one of the most commonly disposed of items at home and work. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that spray paint cans are recyclable. They believe that spray paint cans cannot be disposed of because they contain dangerous chemicals.
However, aerosol or spray paint cans are made of steel and aluminum, both recyclable. You should always take care when throwing away these cans. Do not leave them in the trash bin or dumpster. Instead, take them to an authorized recycling center.
You can also use the aerosol cans recycling systems that are available on the market today. The system separates the cans from the rest of the garbage and then collects them for recycling.
So, this is all about how to dispose of spray paint cans. If you still have any questions, please feel free to comment below. We will be happy to answer all your questions.
How can I get rid of spray paint cans?
The best way to get rid of spray paint or aerosol cans is to bring them to a certified recycling facility. Many companies specialize in collecting aerosol cans. They usually charge a small fee to pick up the cans.
Is it safe to throw aerosol or spray paint containers into my regular trashcan?
No, throwing aerosol cans into your regular trashcan is unsafe. When you throw aerosol cans into the trash, they may leak toxic chemicals into the soil. These chemicals can contaminate the groundwater and pollute the air.
What happens if I don’t recycle aerosol cans?
If you do not recycle aerosol cans, they end up in our landfills, where they cause problems. Landfills are areas where we store trash. Aerosol or spray paint cans contain solvents that may ignite a fire at the landfills. In addition, the gases released by the cans can cause air pollution.
Where can I find aerosol cans recycling programs?
Many places offer aerosol cans recycling services. Some of those include your local government office and recycling centers.
