RCRA Hazardous Waste (US, 40 CFR 261)
Aerosol cans with residual product or propellant are hazardous if contents are ignitable (D001) or toxic. Fully depressurized, punctured cans may qualify for universal waste or normal recycling depending on residue.
Also searched as: pressurized cans, spray cans, spray paint cans
RCRA classifies waste by source, process, and characteristics — not just material. Pick the row that matches how your aerosol cans arises; each coded row links to the full waste code definition under 40 CFR Part 261.
Aerosols with ignitable product/propellant
Ignitable waste - liquids with flash point below 60 C (140 F), ignitable solids, oxidizers, and ignitable compressed gases
Aerosols with toxic contents
Toxicity characteristic waste - Cadmium at or above 1.0 mg/L (TCLP)
Fully emptied and depressurized
May be managed as universal waste or scrap metal if thoroughly cleaned
Source: 40 CFR Part 261 — Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste
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