Safety & Compliance · SOP

Aerosol Can Disposal Empty

Standard procedure for the safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible disposal of empty aerosol cans. Covers puncture, residual drainage, containerization, and recycling — aligned with WorkSafeBC and provincial waste regulations.

Estimated Time

15 min

Difficulty

Basic

Regulation

WorkSafeBC Part 5

Version

1.0

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Purpose

To establish a safe, repeatable process for rendering empty aerosol cans non-hazardous before disposal or recycling. Proper puncture and drainage prevent explosive release, reduce landfill liability, and comply with BC’s Hazardous Waste Regulation (B.C. Reg. 63/88). This SOP ensures that all residual propellant and liquid contents are captured for proper treatment while the steel/aluminum shell can be sent to scrap metal recovery.

Scope

Applies to all empty aerosol cans generated at Ryxen-operated or contractor work sites in British Columbia. Covers cans that previously contained paints, lubricants, solvents, cleaners, and other non-radioactive, non-biological contents. Does not cover full or partially full cans (must be returned to original use or managed as hazardous waste) nor cans containing CFCs, which require specialized recovery.

Safety Precautions

PPEWear safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), and long-sleeved work clothes. A face shield is recommended when puncturing unfamiliar canisters.
VENTPerform all puncturing outdoors or in a well-ventilated area with continuous forced-air flow (minimum 4 air changes per hour). Keep area free of ignition sources — no smoking, open flames, or ungrounded electrical equipment within 7.5 m.
STATWhen handling containers with flammable residues (e.g. acetone, xylene), bond the puncture station to the waste drum using a copper bonding wire with clamp. Ensure both drum and station are grounded.
LOTOIf using a pneumatic puncture unit, verify lockout/tagout procedures before performing any maintenance or clearing a jam.

Required Tools & Materials

Approved aerosol can puncture device (e.g. Aerosolv®, CanPuncture® or equivalent)
55-gallon (208 L) DOT-approved drum with gasketed lid for capturing residual liquids
Safety glasses / goggles (CSA Z94.3 compliant)
Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, or equivalent)
Grounded bonding wire with clamps for flammable service
Drip tray / absorbent mat (e.g. polypropylene pads, vermiculite pad)
Scrap metal recycling bin (for clean, punctured shells)
Hazardous waste log book / digital tracking form
GHS secondary container labels for drum

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Don all required PPE: safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and long sleeves. Ensure area is well-ventilated and free of ignition sources.

2 Verify the can is empty by shaking it — no sloshing liquid should be audible. Check that nozzle is not clogged. If can is full or contains free liquid, set aside for hazardous waste disposal; do not puncture.

3 Place the can upside-down into the puncture station (e.g. Aerosolv) so the dome faces the punch mechanism. If using a manual unit, secure the can in the cradle.

4 Engage the puncture handle or pneumatic actuator to pierce the dome of the can. Hold for at least 10 seconds to allow complete evacuation of residual propellant and liquid into the drum.

5 After drainage stops, remove the can from the station and inspect the shell — it must be dry and free of residue. Place the empty shell in the scrap metal recycling bin.

6 Seal the drum with the DOT-approved lid. Affix a GHS label with the waste description (e.g., “Used Aerosol Can Residue – Non-Halogenated”) and the accumulation start date. Keep drum closed except when adding waste.

7 Record the disposal in the hazardous waste log: date, number of cans processed, technician initials, and destination (drum ID or recycling vendor). Forward log to the Safety Coordinator monthly.

Aerosol Can Disposal Empty

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