Which trash can should an empty aerosol tin can be put into?
With the continuous improvement of global environmental awareness, garbage classification has become one of the important environmental protection measures in many countries and regions. Aerosol tin can, as a common product in daily life, is often confused about its correct disposal method. So, which trash can should an empty aerosol tin can be put into?
This article will discuss in detail the classification, disposal methods, relevant laws and regulations, and environmental significance of aerosol tin cans to help everyone understand how to properly dispose of empty aerosol tin cans.
Classification and composition of aerosol tin cans
1. Types of aerosol tin cans
● Personal care: including hair spray, deodorant, shaving foam, foaming hair dye, etc. This type of aerosol tin can is mainly used for personal daily care.
● Home cleaning: including air fresheners, insecticides, detergents, etc., mainly used for cleaning and maintenance of home environments.
● Car care: such as car wax spray, tire brightener, interior cleaner, etc., mainly used for cleaning and maintenance of cars.
● Food and beverage: such as cream spray, beverage spray, etc., used in food processing and catering services.
2. Composition of aerosol tin can
● Can: Usually made of metal (such as steel or aluminum), with strong pressure resistance.
● Propellant: The propellant in the aerosol tin can is used to spray out the contents. Common propellants are liquefied gas (such as propane, butane) and compressed gas (such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen).
● Contents: Depending on the purpose of the aerosol tin can, the contents may be liquid, foam or powder, etc.
How to deal with empty aerosol tin cans
1. Common misunderstandings
● Random disposal: Many people throw aerosol tin cans into the trash can without sorting them after using them. This not only pollutes the environment, but also may pose a safety hazard.
● Incomplete emptying: Some people do not completely empty the residue before discarding the aerosol tin can, which may cause explosions or fires during garbage disposal.
2. Correct disposal steps
● Completely empty: After using the aerosol tin can, make sure there is no residue in the can. You can turn the can upside down and continue to press the nozzle until there is no more spray.
● Classification: According to local garbage classification regulations, correctly classify and dispose of empty aerosol tin cans. Generally, empty metal cans can be classified as recyclable garbage, but aerosol tin cans containing residual propellants or hazardous substances must be treated as hazardous waste.
● Can cleaning: Under the premise of ensuring safety, try to clean the can body to avoid secondary pollution to the environment caused by residues.
Local garbage classification regulations
1. China
● Shanghai: Empty aerosol tin cans should be placed in recyclable trash cans, but if there are still residues or hazardous substances (such as pesticides) in the can, they should be treated as hazardous waste.
● Beijing: Aerosol tin cans also need to be classified and handled, empty cans are classified as recyclables, and cans with residues must be treated as hazardous waste.
2. United States
● California: aerosol tin cans need to be sorted and processed. Completely empty metal cans can be treated as recyclables, and cans with residues need to be sent to hazardous waste collection points for treatment.
● New York City: Empty metal aerosol tin cans can be placed in metal, glass and plastic recycling bins, but cans with hazardous residues need to be handled separately.
3. Europe
● Germany: aerosol tin cans need to be sorted and processed according to their contents. Empty cans can be recycled as metal scrap, and cans with hazardous residues need to be treated as hazardous waste.
● United Kingdom: Similar to Germany, empty aerosol tin cans can be recycled as metal, but cans with hazardous residues need to be treated as hazardous waste.
Laws and regulations and environmental significance
1. Relevant laws and regulations
● "Law on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste" (China): Clearly stipulates the treatment requirements for various types of solid waste and has strict regulations on the management of hazardous waste.
● "Resource Conservation and Recovery Act" (USA): Requires states to formulate and implement laws and regulations on resource recovery and hazardous waste management.
● Waste Directive (EU): stipulates the basic principles of waste management and requires member states to establish an effective waste recycling and treatment system.
2. Environmental significance
● Reduce pollution: Proper disposal of empty aerosol tin cans can reduce their pollution to the environment, especially prevent the pollution of air, water and soil by propellants and harmful contents.
● Resource recovery: Aerosol tin cans are mostly metal products. Through recycling and reuse, resource waste can be reduced and energy can be saved.
● Safety guarantee: Proper disposal of aerosol tin cans containing residues can avoid safety accidents such as explosions and fires during garbage disposal, and ensure the safety of sanitation workers.
Raise public awareness and action suggestions
1. Publicity and education
● Government departments: Strengthen publicity and education on garbage classification and hazardous waste disposal, and improve the public's environmental awareness through media, community activities and other means.
● Corporate responsibility: Aerosol tin can manufacturers should clearly mark the disposal method on the product packaging, and publicize the correct disposal method to consumers through advertisements, brochures and other forms.
2. Improved facilities
● Recycling facilities: Local governments should improve waste sorting and recycling facilities to ensure that the public has sufficient channels and convenient conditions to properly dispose of aerosol tin cans.
● Hazardous waste collection points: More hazardous waste collection points should be set up, and the collection and treatment of hazardous waste should be organized regularly.
3. Personal actions
● Learning knowledge: The public should take the initiative to learn about waste sorting and hazardous waste treatment and master the correct treatment methods.
● Active participation: In daily life, actively participate in waste sorting, especially when handling aerosol tin cans, and strictly follow the regulations to classify and place them.
● Supervision and feedback: Supervise the waste sorting facilities and services of communities and enterprises, feedback problems in a timely manner, and promote the improvement and perfection of waste sorting.
