Recycle Spray Paint Cans

So throwing those cans in the regular garbage can make them explode due to heat and pressure.

Recycle spray paint cans.

Aerosol cans are pressurized which means they may explode if tampered with. Spray paint cans are designed in such a way that the particles in the can stay under pressure to maintain the liquid form of the paint. Yes krylon spray paint cans and their plastic caps are designed to be recyclable where recycling facilities for these materials exist. While empty cans can be disposed of in your household garbage cans with even a small amount of paint left unused can be a safety and environmental hazard.

If the can has a plastic lid you can remove this for recycling. Do not attempt to remove the spray nozzle from the can even though it is usually plastic. Never attempt to puncture an aerosol can or expose it to extreme heat. Because of the dangers of improper spray paint recycling many counties have made it illegal to throw spray cans in the normal garbage.

The lid is likely recyclable too. Proper disposal of spray paint cans is important. This is the reason people should completely empty spray cans on old newspaper shake the can to confirm it is empty and then dispose of the paint can in the regular trash. In some places you can be fined for disposing them with your regular garbage.

While the can itself has the same value as other metal cans the pressurized air inside and potentially hazardous contents make recycling a bit more complicated.