Aerosol cans are prohibited from being thrown in the trash at UVA!

Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality requires that ALL unwanted aerosol cans (unused, partially used, damaged, & empty) be collected as Hazardous Waste.

  • Keep empty aerosol cans separate from non-empty aerosol cans.
  • Collect aerosol cans in a cardboard box, clear plastic bag, or drum for pick-up by EHS (depending on volume generated).
  • Use our convenient online waste pick-up request form (log-in) for less than 20 cans, or call EHS at 434.982.4911 to arrange for a larger pick-up.

EHS will recycle the empty aerosol cans submitted for disposal, after puncturing the cans with a specially designed device.

NEVER attempt to puncture an aerosol can on your own!

EHS will dispose of non-empty aerosol cans in a manner consistent with the contents of the can.

Questions? Contact the EHS Hazardous Materials group at 434.982.4911.

An image showing an aerosol can that has been punctured by EHS.