WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nearly four billion aerosol cans are produced in North America each year. More than 15,000 U.S. recycling programs accept empty steel aerosol containers. But many Americans don’t know that aerosols can be recycled.
Consumers are unaware in part because only one-third of recycling programs actively publicize their acceptance of steel aerosol cans. The Consumer Aerosol Products Council (CAPCO) and the Consumer Specialty Products Association’s (CSPA) Aerosol Products Division are working to educate consumers, recycling program coordinators and municipal governments about the recyclability of empty steel containers.
“Today more than 65 percent of Americans have access to aerosol recycling through curbside pickup, drop off and waste-to-energy recovery programs,” said Doug Fratz, of CSPA’s Aerosol Products Division, which represents the consumer aerosol industry. “We hope access translates to action.”
Here’s what consumers need to know to increase recycling efforts this Earth Day. Many steel aerosol cans feature the “Please Recycle When Empty” logo to indicate they can be safely recycled. Here’s how:
- Empty the aerosol of its contents through normal use.
- Check instructions from the local collector to determine if empty aerosols are accepted.
- Place empty aerosol container in bin along with other recyclables.
About CSPA
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) is the premier trade association representing the interests of companies that manufacture, formulate, distribute and sell more than $100 billion annually in the U.S. of familiar consumer products that help household and institutional customers create cleaner and healthier environments. CSPA member companies employ hundreds of thousands of people globally. Products CSPA represents include disinfectants that kill germs in homes, hospitals and restaurants; candles, and fragrances and air fresheners that eliminate odors; pest management products for home, garden and pets; cleaning products and polishes for use throughout the home and institutions; products used to protect and improve the performance and appearance of automobiles; aerosol products and a host of other products. Through its product stewardship program, Product Care®, and scientific and business-to-business endeavors, CSPA provides members a platform to effectively address issues regarding the health, safety and sustainability of their products. For more information, please visit www.cspa.org.