Metal
Aerosol cans
spray cans, aerosols, deodorant cans, empty aerosol cans
Can you recycle?
Sometimes
Sometimes — empty aerosol cans are recyclable with metals. Don't puncture or crush them; ones that aren't empty go to hazardous waste.
How to prepare
1. Make sure the can is completely empty. 2. Don't puncture, crush, or burn it — pressurized cans are dangerous. 3. Remove and recycle the plastic cap separately. 4. Place the empty can in your curbside recycling where metals are accepted.
Common mistakes
Recycling cans that still have product or pressure inside. Puncturing or crushing cans, which is a safety risk. Leaving plastic caps on instead of recycling them separately.
What happens after you recycle it?
Recycled aerosol cans are melted down with other steel and aluminum and reformed into new cans, packaging, and metal products.
Drop-off guidance
Most curbside programs take empty metal aerosol cans. Cans that still contain product are hazardous and go to a household hazardous-waste facility.
FAQs
Can I recycle aerosol cans?
Yes, when fully empty. Don't puncture or crush them — just put empty metal cans in your curbside recycling.
Where can I recycle aerosol cans near me?
Use the lookup above. Most home collections take empty aerosol cans, and hazardous-waste sites take part-full ones.
Is it free to recycle aerosol cans?
Yes. Curbside recycling and household hazardous-waste sites are free to use.
Can I get paid to recycle aerosol cans?
No. There's no deposit on aerosol cans, but recycling empty ones is free.
