What is the procedure for disposing of clogged or partially filled aerosol cans?

• A. Flush down sink.
• B. Collect them as hazardous waste and dispose of them properly at the end of each semester.
• C. Recycle with metal recycling.
• D. Treat as regular waste.

Answer: (B)

Aerosol cans that are clogged or not fully empty are still pressurized and may contain flammable or toxic contents. Handling them safely requires treating them as hazardous waste rather than discarding with regular trash or attempting to recycle them. By collecting these cans for proper disposal through the institution’s hazardous waste program and disposing of them at the designated time (for example, end of the semester), you ensure they are stored, labeled, and removed by a licensed waste contractor. This prevents leaks, explosions, or exposure to chemicals and keeps the environment and people safe. Flushing them down the sink, disposing with normal waste, or recycling them without special processing could release hazardous contents or fail to meet regulatory requirements.