How to dispose of spray paint can

For those of us who spray aerosol hairspray or shaving cream into our hair on a regular basis, we all know that the cans require special attention.

But chances are, very few of us actually ever recycle them for our protection, for an animal shelter, and for a planet in need of good spraying.

Today I will teach you the complete process to dispose of spray paint cans.

Amateurs often throw them anywhere to find easy, but this is not the correct way to dispose of spray cans.

Here is the complete process to dispose of the spray paint cans.

Cans of spray paint are considered hazardous materials, which is why you can’t just throw them in the garbage.

They aren’t hazardous if they’re empty, so you can trash them in the same way you would any other recyclable waste;

But cans with even a small amount of paint left unused could create a big mess for you.

And for your community, once it gets mixed up with the rest of your recyclables.

Take them to a place like your local hardware store or recycling center that has special equipment to safely dispose of them.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting yourself and others from potentially harmful products!

Aerosol cans are pretty cool if you ask me. Unfortunately, they’re also mainly made out of the same stuff that makes plastic soft.

So, when these cans get really old and start to get dented up quite a bit because you dropped your time capsule with that letter you wrote to yourself in elementary school inside it on the sidewalk.

And it was run over by a few hundred cars between then and now, well…the air which once held all those volatile propellants starts to leak out into the atmosphere.

There are so many broken cans out there just chock-full of environmentally unfriendly chemicals like paint thinner or adhesives or brake cleaning chemicals.

How to dispose of spray paint can?

Risk of fundamentals

It’s a common misconception that when cans seem empty, there just isn’t any more product left in the can.

Though this is true for almost all products that come in aerosol cans and spray bottles, it’s never 100% accurate.

In fact, these cans often have remaining propellent and are therefore still completely full of potential fire-starters!

If a can hasn’t been emptied in a safe manner, it should never be discarded into the trash.

Otherwise, you risk setting off a blaze at your recycling facility or local landfill (like one recycling company tragically experienced).

The process to dispose of spray cans

Aerosol cans are recyclable but rinsing or flushing them down the drain is not allowed.

That’s why it’s safer and cleaner to use an Underwriters Laboratories-certified aerosol recycling system.

Aerovent® Aerosol Recycling System just attaches to any barrel and filters in seconds. It comes with a puncture tool that ensures complete aerosol capture.

So your entire process is gaseous when sealed and safe for locking up the drums and shipping them off using reputable collection services.

You can dispose of empty aerosol cans by using the steps listed above. Please note that in order to be considered “RCRA-emptied”.

The processed aerosol cans must be completely drained and no product residue should remain inside the container for recycling purposes.

Steps to dispose of spray paint cans

Here are the steps which can be followed to dispose of spray cans completely, follow each step to do the process.

Especially newbies should follow every step in order to save themselves from any mess.

Step 1

Prepare your work area by laying down several sheets of newspaper on the ground. Then completely cover the area you will be working in.

Step 2

Open the cap of the paint can. If no paint comes out, and there aren’t fumes, then you’re down to the bottom of the barrel and your project needs a new coat – which smells nice but is maybe just a little old.

Otherwise, go ahead and spray away until there are no more fumes…

Step 3

Shake the can of paint before you start painting if you don’t know how much is left. If nothing comes out, then it probably means that the can is completely run out of paint.

But if you’re not certain, assume the paint is still in there and then buy a new one!

Step 4

It’s best to dispose of all empty cans in the regular trash.

How do you empty the contents of an aerosol can?

There are several ways to empty the contents of an aerosol can, but it is important to follow proper safety precautions, as aerosol cans can be dangerous if not handled properly.

One method is to spray the remaining contents of the can outside in a well-ventilated area, until the can is empty.

Another method is to puncture the can using a can puncturing tool or a nail and hammer. Once punctured, the contents of the can can be forced out by pressing down on the nozzle.

A third method is to use an aerosol can recycling device, which punctures and drains the cans, so the contents can be safely disposed of.

It is important to always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

And any local regulations or guidelines for disposing of aerosol cans, before attempting to empty the contents of an aerosol can.

Is it safe to puncture an aerosol can?

Puncturing an aerosol can can be dangerous, as it can release the compressed gas and contents of the can, which can be flammable or toxic.

It can also cause the can to explode, which can cause serious injury or even death.

If you wish to dispose of an aerosol can, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or guidelines, as well as any local regulations for disposal of aerosol cans.

A safer alternative to puncturing an aerosol can is to use an aerosol can recycling device which punctures and drains the can in a controlled manner, so the contents can be safely disposed of.

In summary, it’s not recommended to puncture an aerosol can, as it’s dangerous, and it’s important to follow safety precautions and local regulations for disposal of aerosol cans.

How do you dry out paint cans?

There are a few ways to dry out paint cans:

• Use a paint can opener to remove the lid and let the remaining paint in the can dry out. Be sure to keep the can in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources.
• Use a paint strainer to remove any lumps or debris from the paint. Then pour the remaining paint back into the original can or a different container and let it dry out.
• Another option is to mix in paint hardener to the paint can. This will help the paint to solidify and dry out, making it easier to dispose of.
• You can also use a paint thinner or a paint remover to clean the remaining paint in the can, but make sure to follow safety precautions and read the instruction from the manufacturer before using it.

Once the paint has dried out, the can can be disposed of according to local regulations.

It’s important to note that some paint hardeners and paint thinners are flammable, so it’s important to use them in a well-ventilated area and follow safety precautions.

FAQ’s of How to dispose of spray paint can

Conclusion on How to dispose of spray paint can

Here is the complete post for you guys to completely dispose of spray paint cans without harming your own self or others.

This guide will be helpful for newbies especially when they get confused thinking about disposing of spray cans.