Aerosol recycling: only when completely empty

Aerosols can be recycled once they are completely empty, says Recycle Now. That includes deodorants and air fresheners.

• UK

Key facts

• Recycle Now says not to pierce, crush or flatten aerosol cans.
• Take off loose parts, such as the lid, and recycle them with the rest.
• Recycle Now says about 60% of aerosols are tinplated steel and about 40% aluminium. Both metals can be recycled.

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Based on Recycle Now's own pages.

Accepted items

• Empty aerosol cans
• Deodorants
• Air fresheners

Restrictions

• Aerosols must be completely empty.

Related item guides

• Aerosol cans

Other kinds of place

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

Schemes and collection services

• Recycle Now locator
• Recycle Now: food tins and drink cans
• Recycle Now: cardboard
• Recycle Now: foil
• Recycle Now: food and drink cartons
• Recycle Now: paper