Aerosol Cans Recycling

Waste aerosol containers pose several problems for waste management. It is often difficult to completely use up the contents of certain aerosol products. In other cases the valves become clogged or are damaged, thus preventing complete use of the product or discharge of the propellant. Most Alberta landfills will not except aerosol cans for disposal, since many aerosols use flammable propellants, the partially full aerosol cans represent a hazard for landfill operators and equipment.

Calgary Transit has implemented a number of programs to reduce the use of aerosol cans by purchasing products in bulk and using refillable pump spray bottles or alternative applicators. When aerosol cans are required for use, the used cans are collected and recycled appropriately. In the last six years Calgary Transit has recycled just over 10,000 aerosol cans.