Aerosol Can Recycling Program
Published June 2019
TRC Aerosol Recycling Program*
*please note that state regulations change frequently; please contact TRC for the latest regulations in your state
Despite the changing regulations around Aerosol recycling, TRC is pleased to provide an easy program for businesses in Minnesota to comply. Since introducing the program in 2016, we have seen a growing number of customers utilizing this easy solution.
- 2016 – 7,598 lbs of aerosol waste shipped
- 2017 – 14,664 lbs of aerosol waste shipped
- 2018 – 25,650 lbs of aerosol waste shipped
Aerosol waste can simply be recycled through our Aerosol Recycling Program, which utilizes our standard Universal Waste Bill of Lading. Since the MPCA adopted aerosols into the universal waste program, TRC implemented a new policy so when you schedule a recycling pickup with us, you may now include any waste aerosols without any additional paperwork. Aerosols may be packaged into any of our UN-rated shipping containers and picked up on our truck with your other universal wastes.
What Are Aerosols?
Aerosols are chemical products, such as paint, solvent, or cleaner, released as a spray or stream from a pressurized container. A waste aerosol is an aerosol container that will no longer be used for its intended purpose. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
Although, pressurized gas containers are not considered part of this program, TRC can help you responsibly dispose of them. Contact our Haz Team anytime! (Is your business outside of Minnesota? We can still help you find the best recycling option, simply contact our team!)
What Are the New Regulations?
Aerosols are shipped to our Licensed Universal Waste Collection Facility in Little Canada, MN for additional sorting/processing. Waste aerosols are then shipped to our partner disposal facility where they are fully drained. Finally, the drained liquids and gases are blended into fuel or incinerated and the empty cans are recycled as scrap metal. In essence this process is converting the waste into heat energy.
What Happens to the Aerosols Recycled with TRC?
Under the new regulations, Minnesota businesses will no longer be allowed to depressurize aerosols at their facility unless they fully capture all of the gas and liquid inside. Previously, many business owners were using a depressurizing system which only filtered the escaping gases. These gases were then being released into our atmosphere. Under our program all the contents of each aerosol are captured, preventing any release to the atmosphere.
If you are ready for a pick up at your Minnesota business:
