How to dispose of Aerosol Cans in California

California rules

California is stricter than most states: households may not put non-empty aerosol cans (spray paint, solvents, pesticides, or any can that still sprays or sloshes) in the trash. Take them free to your county household hazardous waste facility or collection event. A can is empty only when both product and propellant are gone; empty cans may go in the trash or be recycled as scrap metal (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 22, § 66266.2(b)(7), as explained by Los Angeles County Public Works). Whether empty cans go in your curbside recycling bin depends on your city's hauler, so check locally.

General steps

1. Use up the product completely until the can is empty.
2. Do NOT puncture or crush the can — it's pressurized.
3. Empty aerosol cans can go in curbside recycling in most areas.
4. Cans with remaining product are considered hazardous waste.
5. Bring partially full cans to your local household hazardous waste facility.