InterLinc: Linc.-Lanc. Health Department Environmental Quality

Kick the Can

Aerosol Lubricant Fact Sheet

Aerosol lubricant (such as WD-40, Liquid Wrench, Penray PR-3, and CRC-556) is a common product used by many businesses in Lancaster County. Because aerosol lubricant cans are labeled "danger," they are a special waste. They must be recorded on a Special Waste Inventory. However, if the aerosol cans are completely empty (nothing comes out when you press the button or dispenser) you will not need to obtain a Special Waste Disposal Permit to dispose of them. Nonetheless, the aerosol propellant is a hazardous material and can be harmful to human health and the environment. Your best and most economical choice is to not use aerosol lubricants.

Purchase an alternative lubricant that is not labeled "danger." For example, a lubricant that is labeled simply "warning" or "caution" indicates a lower health risk or a safer product. It is even possible that your vendor can suggest alternative lubricants that carry no signal word on the label and can be discarded without risk.

Disposal If you have empty aerosol cans there are better ways of handling them than disposal.

Recycle the empty aerosol cans at an approved scrap metal recycler once they are empty. Contact the LLCHD for a current list of recyclers that provide service to businesses in Lancaster County.
Purchase aerosol lubricant in bulk containers and use a reusable pump spray bottle to dispense the lubricant. Another option is to purchase an aerosol can that can be recharged with compressed air. Contact the LLCHD for a current list of vendors that carry these cans.

By buying aerosol lubricant in bulk, you can save money. For example a:

12 oz. aerosol lubricant in the can costs around 25 cents per ounce.

128 oz. (one gallon) aerosol lubricant container costs about 9 cents per ounce.

If you buy in bulk, you will also have to buy a spray bottle or reusable aerosol can. These can be less expensive than the traditional aerosol lubricant can. Typically a:

12 oz. aerosol lubricant can costs around $3.00.

16 oz. pump spray bottle costs around $2.00

16 oz. reusable aerosol can costs $32.00

You throw away part of your purchasing costs every time you discard an empty aerosol can. You can save money buying in bulk and reusing the container over the cost of buying many aerosol lubricant cans By using reusable bottles and cans, you pay for one can once. Because there is no waste, the pump spray bottle will pay for itself in one refill and the reusable aerosol can will pay for itself after 12 refills.

Note: If the containers are not empty and are labeled "danger" or if you want to dispose of one pound or more of a chemical in a container labeled "warning for toxins and pesticides" it must be disposed of as a hazardous waste. Call the LLCHD at 441-6238 for a list of companies that provide hazardous waste disposal service and for more details about disposal options.

If you wish, we can perform a technical assistance site visit and recommend ways to reduce wast and save money. Call the LLCHD's Technical Assistance Program (TAP) at 41-6235.

Vehicle Maintenance