How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans (Empty, Partly Full and Spray Paint)

The short answer

• Empty can: spray it until nothing comes out and it stops hissing. Then check whether your local recycling program takes aerosol cans. Many do, along with other metal cans.
• Partly full or still pressurized: take it to a household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off or collection day. EPA's recycling guide lists unemptied aerosol cans as an example of household hazardous waste.
• Never puncture, crush or burn a can to empty it.

Checked October 2026. Programs, fees and accepted items change, and the rules where you live are the ones that count. Call your local solid waste office or the drop-off site before you go.

How to tell if a can is empty

Point the nozzle away from you, outdoors, and spray in short bursts until no product or propellant comes out. If it still sloshes, hisses or sprays, it isn't empty. A clogged nozzle doesn't mean the can is empty. It means the can is still full and can't be emptied normally, so it goes to HHW.

For aerosol pesticides, EPA guidance on aerosol pesticide labels tells manufacturers to have users empty the can through normal use, and not by puncturing it, before recycling. If recycling isn't available, the label may tell you to wrap the empty can and put it in the trash. Follow the disposal directions on your can's label.

Recycling empty aerosol cans

Programs differ, so check your city's list. One published example is Northglenn, Colorado, which accepts empty steel and aerosol cans in recycling carts. It says cans must be empty, labels and spray nozzles are okay, plastic caps should come off unless they're part of the can, full or partly full cans aren't allowed, and cans must not be punctured.

If your program doesn't list aerosol cans, ask before adding them. Some sorting facilities don't want pressurized containers at all.

Partly full cans: spray paint, pesticide, solvent and more

Leftover spray paint, primer, lubricant, pesticide, carburetor cleaner and similar products go to HHW. Keep each can in its original labeled container with the cap on. Pack the cans upright in a box so they can't roll, and keep them out of a hot car any longer than necessary. Use Dumpmapper's household hazardous waste guide to find your county program, and the map to see nearby transfer stations that might hold collection days.

Some transfer stations ban HHW from the trash pit entirely, and a load can be refused for it. See what counts as household hazardous waste. If you're also bringing regular trash, estimate that part of the trip with the dump fee calculator.

Why you shouldn't puncture cans at home

Businesses do puncture aerosol cans, but only under strict conditions. Under EPA's 2019 federal rule adding aerosol cans to the universal waste rules, EPA's universal waste FAQ says businesses that puncture and drain cans must use a device designed for it, follow a written procedure, prevent fires and releases, and recycle the empty cans. Household cans aren't covered by those rules: a 1993 EPA policy memo says aerosol cans from households fall under the household hazardous waste exclusion. That leaves your state and local program to decide. At home, puncturing a can risks spraying flammable propellant and product, so leave it to HHW.

How to Dispose of Aerosol Cans (Empty, Partly Full and Spray Paint) FAQ

Are aerosol cans recyclable?

Empty ones often are, but only if your local program accepts them. Northglenn, Colorado, for example, takes empty aerosol cans in recycling carts but not full or partly full cans, and says not to puncture them. Check your city's list.

How do I dispose of spray paint cans that still have paint in them?

Take them to a household hazardous waste drop-off or collection day. Don't put partly full cans in recycling or try to empty them by puncturing.

Can I throw empty aerosol cans in the trash?

If recycling isn't available, some product labels, such as aerosol pesticides, say to wrap the empty can and put it in the trash. Follow your can's label and your local rules.

Should I take the cap off an aerosol can before recycling?

Programs differ. Northglenn asks residents to remove plastic caps unless they're part of the can. Follow your own program's instructions.

Why shouldn't I puncture an aerosol can?

It can release flammable propellant and leftover product. EPA allows businesses to puncture cans only with purpose-built equipment and written safety procedures.

The bottom line

Spray it empty, check your recycling list, and take anything still full or clogged to HHW. Never puncture or burn a can. Paint and solvents follow the same rule: see how to get rid of old paint and leftover solvent and paint thinner.