Are Aerosols Hazardous Waste?
The UK produces and consumes more aerosols than any other country in Europe – worse, a study has shown that these products now produce more smog in the UK than cars do. In general, the use of aerosols can emit hazardous pollutants in the air and has increased a staggering amount. These volatile compounds are released from this product at 1.3 million tonnes annually, but as technology improves, it is only set to increase. We use various aerosols in our everyday life at home and work. However, using them means being mindful of how to safely dispose of them when they run out.
What type of waste is an aerosol?
Aerosols are hazardous waste and must be handled cautiously when disposed of them. Despite this, they’re still widely used and make up around 40% of the dangerous waste in specialized facilities.
You should not need to dispose of aerosols, as they are designed to be used and discarded.
Aerosols are a product that has specific disposal instructions, no matter how you use them. The substances inside aerosols can be dangerous for humans, animals and the environment. However, these aerosols are also volatile and can cause explosions or fires in uncontrolled environments. This is why they aren’t allowed on many planes and in certain countries.
We can now recycle aerosols thanks to developments in technology and rigorous research. You should make sure they are empty before recycling them, though. First, remove the lid and separate your aerosol into your standard plastic recycling. Next, store them in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures before disposing of them.
After a product like an aerosol has been disposed of, it is sent to be recycled or dealt with differently.
When you recycle aerosols, they are collected in a specialist recycling centre and taken through an extensive process. First, the cans are pierced with a small hole in a specialist machine. Any remaining liquid will then drip out. Next, leftover materials are sorted into appropriate waste streams and taken to sorting facilities for recycling according to the type of material. This allows us to reuse or recycle these materials and also manufacture new products out of them in a responsible way.
Knowing the total cost associated with recycling and disposing of aerosols can be challenging. However, adhering to a routine recycling scheme may reduce your long-term expenditure.
Aerosol recycling is part of what makes our waste collection plan a cost-effective service for your business. You can dispose of all kinds of waste, including aerosols, by contacting Wastege, who will provide you with peace of mind that it’s being properly handled. You can use local recycling centres, local waste disposal sites, and specialist collection points like supermarkets to dispose of your aerosol waste properly.
How many aerosols are in landfills?
The use of cans in the UK is still relatively high, with estimates suggesting that we use around 600 million yearly, equivalent to 10 aerosols per person. Thankfully, through education and campaigning, these numbers are coming down with fewer cans being sent to landfill. Rest assured that this is standard practice regarding recycling in the UK. Aerosols are more likely to contain toxic and flammable substances which we can’t dispose of at household recycling centres.
