Aerosol can disposal

Disposal of aerosols is mandatory for companies and institutions when they contain residues under pressure or chemicals such as paint, glue or lubricant. Empty or full aerosols should not be disposed of with residual waste or metal waste, as they can be explosive and environmentally hazardous. Chemical Waste Netherlands ensures safe, certified collection and disposal of all types of aerosols.

Aerosol cans often contain pressurised chemicals such as paints, lubricants, adhesives or cleaners that can pose serious risks to humans and the environment if processed incorrectly. Because these pressurised containers can be hazardous when stored, transported or compressed in waste treatment processes, they should not be disposed of with ordinary industrial waste or metal scrap. Proper separation and disposal of aerosol waste is therefore not only a safety question, but also an obligation under environmental legislation.

Returning empty spray cans

Collection service for companies

Companies can hand in their empty aerosols at Chemisch Afval Nederland. We offer a container and collection service for companies. You can hire us once, periodically or on demand.

Private individuals can easily dispose of an old aerosol can or fire extinguisher at, for example, the council's recycling or waste disposal station, but companies need to use an external waste company to comply with regulations and guidelines for the disposal of aerosol waste.

Which aerosols fall under chemical waste?

Most aerosols fall under chemical waste. Examples are:

  • Paint spray cans (paint waste)
  • Lubricants and silicone sprays
  • Glue sprays
  • Insecticides and pesticides in aerosol form
  • Cleaners such as brake cleaner or engine spray
  • Other types of pressure containers, such as return old fire extinguishers

Both full and empty aerosols fall under this category, unless they are demonstrably residue-free and depressurised.

aerosol and spray cans disposal

Aerosol waste

Costs of disposing of aerosols

The cost of disposing of aerosols depends on the volume, type of content and method of collection. For companies with regular flows, we offer competitive rates and advantageous contracts. One-off disposal is also possible. Feel free to ask for a no-obligation quotation.

Sustainable processing and recycling of aerosols

Sustainable processing and recycling of aerosols means recycling the metal shells and safely neutralising the contents. Chemisch Afval Nederland works with certified processors that meet the strict requirements and chemical waste legislation. This ensures you have an environmentally friendly disposal.

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Nationwide coverage

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One-time request, periodic and on demand service

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Competitive rates

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Direct personal contact

Have your old and empty aerosols collected

We will collect your broken, old and empty aerosols at your location, anywhere in the Netherlands. Curious about our competitive rates or would you like a chemical waste container rental for your aerosol waste? Get a quote today.

Frequently asked questions about aerosol disposal

Can spray cans go in the residual waste?

No, aerosols should not be disposed of with residual waste due to explosion and environmental risks.

Empty aerosols also belong in the chemical waste, unless they are completely empty and depressurised (which is difficult to check).

Companies dispose of aerosols through an authorised collector such as Chemisch Afval Nederland B.V.. Private individuals and households can often go to their municipality's environmental street and waste station.

Yes, even an empty aerosol can can be pressurised or contain residues of hazardous substances.

The cost depends on the quantity, packaging and content. CAN is happy to provide a customised quote.

No, aerosol cans do not belong in PMD waste. Not even if they are made of metal or appear empty. Aerosols are under pressure and may contain chemicals. This makes them potentially hazardous during processing or incineration. They should therefore be disposed of as chemical waste - via the waste disposal site (for private individuals) or an authorised collector such as Chemisch Afval Nederland (for companies).

Almost all spray cans with residue or under pressure fall under chemical waste. This also applies to apparently empty cans.

Aerosols should be stored in a chemical waste container. Use UN-approved drums or leak-proof containers that can be properly sealed. We can supply these containers.

Yes, aerosols are suitable for recycling. The metal shells are separated and recycled. The contents are processed in an environmentally friendly way.

Empty aerosols should be handed in as chemical waste. Private individuals can often dispose of them at the environmental street under small chemical waste (KCA). Companies are obliged to dispose of empty aerosol cans via a recognised collector such as Chemisch Afval Nederland. Even if they appear empty, aerosols may still be under pressure or contain residue, which means they should not be disposed of with regular waste.

Questions about disposal of aerosol waste?

As an experienced and licensed waste collector, we are happy to answer all your questions about the disposal of aerosol waste and other chemical waste streams. Please feel free to contact us.