Fact Check: Are aerosol cans recyclable?

Are Aerosol Cans Recyclable?

Introduction

The claim that aerosol cans are recyclable has gained attention as environmental concerns about waste management and recycling practices increase. While many sources affirm that aerosol cans can be recycled, the specifics of how and where this can occur are less straightforward. This article will explore the nuances of aerosol can recyclability, examining various claims and the evidence supporting or contradicting them.

What We Know

1. Recyclability of Materials: Aerosol cans are primarily made of aluminum and steel, both of which are materials that can be infinitely recycled. This characteristic makes them valuable in recycling streams 48.

2. Regulatory Framework: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations regarding the management of hazardous waste aerosol cans, which are now classified under universal waste regulations. This change aims to streamline recycling processes and promote better management of these products 123.

3. Recycling Guidelines: For aerosol cans to be recycled, they must be completely empty, and any caps should be removed. This is to prevent contamination and ensure safety during the recycling process 8. However, the acceptance of aerosol cans for recycling can vary by locality, and some communities may not accept them at all 10.

4. Industry Initiatives: The Aerosol Recycling Initiative, supported by organizations like the Household and Commercial Products Association (HCPA) and the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), aims to increase recycling access and rates for aerosol cans in the U.S. The initiative has set a goal of achieving at least an 85% recycling access rate by 2030 67.

5. Recent Changes in Recycling Labels: The How2Recycle program has downgraded the recyclability status of aluminum and steel aerosol cans from “Widely Recyclable” to “Check Locally.” This change reflects new data indicating that fewer communities explicitly accept aerosol containers for recycling 10.

Analysis

The claim that aerosol cans are recyclable is supported by a variety of sources, but the details surrounding their recyclability are complex and context-dependent.

• Source Reliability: The EPA is a credible source, as it is a government agency responsible for environmental protection. Their regulations and guidelines are based on extensive research and are subject to public scrutiny 123. However, industry sources like the HCPA and CMI, while informative, may have inherent biases due to their vested interests in promoting recycling initiatives that benefit their members 46.

• Conflicting Information: The downgrading of aerosol cans from “Widely Recyclable” to “Check Locally” raises questions about the actual recyclability of these items in practice. This change suggests that while the materials are technically recyclable, the infrastructure and local policies may not support widespread recycling 10.

• Methodology Concerns: The methodology behind the How2Recycle program’s assessment of recyclability is not detailed in the sources provided. Understanding how they arrived at their conclusions would be beneficial for evaluating the reliability of their claims.

• Local Variability: The variability in local recycling guidelines means that while aerosol cans may be recyclable in some areas, they may not be accepted in others. This inconsistency can lead to confusion among consumers and may affect recycling rates.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that aerosol cans are recyclable is partially true. Evidence indicates that aerosol cans are made from recyclable materials, such as aluminum and steel, which can be infinitely recycled. Regulatory changes by the EPA have also facilitated the recycling process for these products. However, the practical recyclability of aerosol cans is complicated by local acceptance policies, which can vary significantly. The recent downgrade of their recyclability status by the How2Recycle program to “Check Locally” underscores the limitations in recycling infrastructure and community practices.

It is important to note that while the materials are technically recyclable, the actual ability to recycle aerosol cans depends on local regulations and facilities. This variability introduces uncertainty regarding the overall recyclability of aerosol cans across different regions. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding recycling practices in their local areas and to stay informed about changes in guidelines and regulations.

Sources

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Increasing Recycling: Adding Aerosol Cans to the Universal Waste Regulations." EPA
2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "EPA Finalizes Streamlined System for Managing Recycling Aerosol Cans." EPA
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Universal Waste." EPA
4. Household and Commercial Products Association. "Aerosol Recycling Initiative Details Economic and Environmental Benefits of Recycling Aerosol Can Products." HCPA
5. Lion Technology. "How to Recycle Aerosol Cans Under RCRA." Lion
6. Household and Commercial Products Association. "Aerosol Recycling Initiative." HCPA
7. Ball Corporation. "Ball Weighs in on Aerosol Recycling Initiative's 2030 Goals." Ball
8. Recycling Revolution. "Are Aerosol Cans Recyclable." Recycling Revolution
9. How2Recycle. "Guidelines for Use." How2Recycle
10. Packaging World. "How2Recycle Releases New Guidelines for Use with Changes to Recyclability for Two Formats." Pack World