Aerosols as Universal Waste Rule State Updates

OCTOBER 21, 2020

In late 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added aerosol cans to universal waste regulations. The Final Rule, which went into effect in February 2020, affects those who generate, transport, treat, recycle or dispose of hazardous waste aerosol cans.

Clean Earth is tracking the state-by-state adoption of the Aerosols as Universal Waste Rule, which is intended to ease regulatory burdens on retail stores and other organizations that discard hazardous waste aerosol cans.

The rule most recently went into effect in Georgia and Illinois. Utah has a similar state law already in effect and is expected to have public comment on the rule in the first half of 2021.

The following states have anticipated rulemaking after Dec. 31, 2020:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Indiana
• Oregon
• North Dakota (first half of 2021 public comment)

The below areas also have anticipated rulemaking after Dec. 31, 2020; however, they will have public comment in the second half of 2020:

• Washington, D.C.
• Idaho
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee

Delaware has anticipated rulemaking by Dec. 31, 2020 as do Florida and South Carolina, which are both expected to have public comment in the second half of 2020. Rulemaking has not yet been determined in Arkansas. 

When aerosol products are discarded, it is critical that they be handled responsibly in compliance with state and federal law in a way that reduces their potential environmental impact. Clean Earth has extensive technical capabilities to handle the processing of many types of consumer commodities and recycling aerosols and spray cans.

Learn more about our innovative aerosol can disposal and recycling methods, including recycling spray paint cans, here.