The Postal Service is reminding employees to store and dispose of aerosol cans properly because they may contain chemicals and propellant that pose a potential safety or environmental threat.
Here is how to deal with aerosol cans:
• Never throw non-empty spray cans in the trash. They are subject to environmental regulations and should be treated as hazardous or universal waste, depending on the requirements in your state.
• Cans that are completely empty of chemicals or propellant are not regulated and may be recycled as scrap metal. If no recycling options exist locally, they may be placed in the trash.
• Never store cans near sources of heat.
• Use up all the product in a can. If a can is not working, consider replacing the nozzle.
The Waste Aerosol Can Management Environmental Compliance Bulletin has more information.
Employees with questions can contact the USPS environmental specialist for their area.
