More than 80% of Australians live in councils that accept aerosol cans (including aerosol paint cans) in household recycling bins (if they are empty).

Businesses with large quantities of aerosol paint cans to dispose of can recycle them through a commercial recycler. Use the directory on this page to find one near you.

Aerosol cans no longer contain Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are organic gases that contain carbon. In the 1970s, CFCs were found to deplete the ozone layer, which is important to protect the surface of the Earth from the harmful UV radiation emitted by the sun. Most nations have now banned and phased out the use of CFCs.

Despite aerosols no longer containing CFCs, they still pose some environmental problems:

•Aerosol cans emit gases known as Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs), which contribute to smog (a form of air pollution). Smog may be harmful to both humans and the natural environment. These gases also contribute to acid rain, which can impact aquatic ecosystems, soils, plants, and wildlife.

•Aerosol cans often contain hazardous substances, such as insecticides and paint. Therefore, if not used or disposed of correctly, these substances can cause environmental harm (by entering waterways, for example).

•Since the contents within aerosol cans are under high pressure, if they are not empty before disposing, they may explode inside collection trucks and waste facilities.

•Aerosol cans pose a fire hazard, as their contents are often highly flammable.

•Aerosol cans often contain hydrocarbons (fossil-fuel based compounds). Therefore, although likely to be negligible, their use contributes to global warming. Some aerosol cans contain carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, which are both greenhouse gases.

•Aerosol cans are generally made from metals (either aluminium or steel, with a tin coating), which are extracted via mining activities and are non-renewable. To ensure these valuable resources are not wasted, we must recycle them. Most local councils in Australia accept empty aerosol cans in household recycling bins. However, aerosol cans that are not empty must be taken to household hazardous waste drop-off events (ask your council for more information).

Never puncture or damage aerosol cans – this can cause sudden depressurisation, which may cause the can to explode. Punctured or damaged aerosol cans may also leak hazardous or flammable substances, causing injury to yourself, others, and the environment.

If you have a full (or partially full) aerosol can that you want to get rid of, take it to a household hazardous waste drop-off event – talk to your council for more information.?If you have large quantities, contact a commercial recycling business.

Aerosol cans no longer contain Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are organic gases that contain carbon. In the 1970s, CFCs were found to deplete the ozone layer, which is important to protect the surface of the Earth from the harmful UV radiation emitted by the sun.

The ozone layer absorbs a portion of the harmful UV radiation emitted by the sun. CFCs, which were previously used in aerosol cans, release chlorine when exposed to UV radiation. When chlorine atoms make contact with ozone in the atmosphere, they destroy the ozone molecules. This reduces the concentration and effectiveness of the ozone layer.

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty banning the use of ozone depleting substances (such as CFCs). Almost all countries have now phased out the use of CFCs. Since the phase out of CFCs (and other ozone depleting substances), the Earth’s ozone layer continues to recover and is expected to fully recover by the middle of the century.

Aerosol cans are used to package and dispense a vast array of liquid products, from deodorants and hair spray to cooking oil and whipped cream. Aerosols are commonly used in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, shed, and garage.