Current Status of State Implementation of EPA’s Universal Waste Rule on Aerosol Cans
In 2019, the EPA added hazardous waste aerosol cans to the federal universal waste list, which allows generators to manage the cans with the less burdensome universal waste requirements. The final rule became effective on February 7, 2020, and applies to those who generate, transport, treat, recycle or dispose of hazardous waste aerosol cans. Under the universal waste rule, generators and handlers can store cans for a year and manage all aerosols together provided they are punctured and drained of any free liquid. (Note that the collected liquid from draining the aerosol cans will likely be considered hazardous waste.) Aerosol cans no longer need to be burned in a Resource Conversation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste incineration facility and shipped by hazardous waste transporters or tracked via a manifest.
