Aerosol cans disposal in California
What California says to do with aerosol cans, read off CalRecycle's own page on 2026-08-19.
California keeps nonempty aerosol cans out of the trash — CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage and lists nonempty aerosol paint and solvent cans, and nonempty cans holding hazardous materials, among items banned from the trash. Read from CalRecycle · checked 2026-08-19
Aerosol containers may explode under heat or pressure, spreading the hazardous contents and metal throughout the area — never heat or crush them (New York State DEC).
Don't put cans labeled TOXIC or FLAMMABLE in the trash (CalRecycle).
Where to take it
Your county program is listed in CalRecycle's county program directory.
Counties differ — verify with your local program.
All 50 states: Can you recycle aerosol cans? — the federal baseline, what happens to it, and every state's rule with the page it was read from.