How to recycle aerosol cans

Empty aerosols, such as deodorant and air freshener cans, can be recycled. They must be completely empty, and do not pierce or crush them.

Empty aerosols

Deodorants and air freshener cans can be recycled once completely empty.

Aerosols are steel or aluminium

Recycle Now says around 60% of aerosols are made from steel and 40% from aluminium, and both metals can be recycled.

Key facts

• Binmap lists 19 tips that say they take aerosol cans.

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Written by Binmap using guidance from Recycle Now.

Advice from national bodies

What to do

1. Use it until it is completely empty.
2. Do not pierce, crush or flatten it.
3. Take off the lid and recycle it with your other recycling.

Kinds of place that take it

• Local recycling sites
• Recycling centres

Guides for similar items

• Food tins and drink cans
• Aluminium foil and trays
• Household chemicals and pesticides

Other kinds of place

• Disposal of paint, gas bottles, chemicals and vapes
• Tips near you: household waste recycling centres
• Recycling banks and bring sites near you
• Clothes donation bins and clothes banks near you

Schemes and collection services

• Recycle Now: food tins and drink cans
• Recycle Now: aerosols