The Future of Aerosol Can Recycling Starts with You!
Press It. Shake It. Recycle It!
Portland Metro, we’re working to keep aerosol cans in your curbside recycling bin.
Right now, recycling facilities in the Portland Metro area are checking to see if people are emptying aerosol cans before putting them in the bin. The results will help decide how aerosol cans are recycled in your community and across Oregon.
If a can isn’t completely empty, it can still have pressure inside. That can be dangerous for the people who sort recycling. Emptying aerosol cans all the way before recycling helps keep workers safe and makes sure recycling programs can continue.
How to Recycle Aerosols the Right Way
Press It
Hold the can over a garbage can and press the button until it stops hissing AND nothing comes out.
Shake It
Shake the can. If you hear or feel liquid inside, it’s not completely empty.
Recycle It
When the can is completely empty, remove the cap and place it loose in your recycling bin. No bag needed.
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Do not recycle non-empty aerosol cans. If it’s not fully empty, take it to a Metro household hazardous waste facility, or, as a last resort, put it in the regular trash.
What kind of Aerosol Cans are Recyclable?
Any completely empty aerosol can from your home can go in the recycling bin, including:
- Whipped cream cans
- Hair spray
- Sunscreen
- Shaving cream
- Cooking spray
- Spray paint
- Other household aerosol products
Aerosol Cans
If it’s completely empty, it’s recyclable.
Why this Matters
Non-empty aerosol cans might explode when crushed, injuring workers, damaging equipment and ruining other recyclables.
Recyclers in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington Counties are testing if aerosol cans in recycling bins are completely empty.
Too many non-empty cans could mean aerosol cans are removed from curbside recycling acceptance lists.
If the trial goes well, it could open the door to aerosol recycling in more communities across Oregon.
The Benefits of
Recycling Aerosol Cans
Metal can be recycled over and over again. An aerosol can you recycle today could be made into a new can in just a few months.
Saves natural resources
Uses less energy than making new aluminum
Less material going to the landfill
Press it. Shake it. Recycle it.
Do Your Part. Share the images below to spread the word.
