If you’re a participant in Richardson’s recycling program, you may have wondered, “If steel and aluminum cans are acceptable, does that include aerosol cans?” The answer is no, aerosol cans are not acceptable material for Richardson’s curbside recycling program, because of fire danger they create if the can is full or partially full—a danger to staff as well as trucks and equipment.
In addition, aerosol cans include plastic nozzle parts, and our regional recycler does not have the equipment for the separation needed (as is the case with many municipal recycling programs), rendering the cans unrecyclable.
The best choice for disposal of empty aerosol cans (containing non-hazardous products) is in the trash; full or partially full cans should be discharged into a cardboard box or paper bag before placing them in the trash bag. Aerosol cans containing hazardous household products (such as paint and pesticides) can be taken to the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center (at no charge for Richardson residents), 11234 Plano Rd.; click here for hours and more information.
