Let's Talk About Aerosols

By Sarah Webb

The first thing most people think when they hear the word "aerosol" is ozone layer depletion. Twenty years ago that was correct, but not now! In the early seventies scientific findings showed that chlorofluoro-carbons (CFCs) were directly related to depletion of the earth's protective ozone layer.

Unfortunately, not everyone is aware that industry quickly responded in 1975 by reducing and eventually eliminating the use of CFCs as a propellant in Canada. Then, in 1987, the Montreal Protocol internationally banned the use of CFCs in consumer products. So, why with this ban of the use of CFCs do people still feel like they are committing an "environmental crime" when they sneak out of the store with their favourite aerosol products? The answer is most people still are misinformed by the outdated media information they received 20 years ago. These products are no longer the environmentally harmful products they were twenty years ago.

In fact, aerosol products are more environmentally friendly than you think. Do you know that aerosol containers are recyclable? Many people are unaware that household aerosol containers can be added to municipal recycling programs. Today there are over 5,000 communities in North America that have successfully added them to their recycling programs. Some North American communities, now recycling empty aerosol cans are Edmonton, Ottawa-Carleton, Hamilton, Delta, Victoria, New Yoark City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Houston and Phoenix. If North America recycled every steel aerosol container produced in North America this year, there would be enough recycled steel to build 160,000 cars.

How do you recycle empty aerosol containers?

1. Ensure your existing recycling program accepts steel cans and discuss the addition with your waste hauler and processor.
2. Educate your citizens that their community now accepts empty aerosol containers in the recycling program. They should know that the can must be empty before entering the recycling stream. To help you get started with educational and advertising samples and artwork, consult with the Canadian Aerosol Information Bureau (CAIB) and Corporations Supporting Recycling (CSR).
3. Get started! Begin collecting and processing the empty aerosol cans as part of your comingled steel stream.

Now let's talk about aerosols. The first thing you will think about when you hear the word aerosol is, recycling! Recycling empty household aerosol containers makes sense for your community and the environment. We know that with your leadership you can add empty aerosol containers to your recycling program and help close the loop.

Source: The Canadian Aerosol Information Bureau.

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