Aerosol Cans Put in Garbage See Alternatives Illegal in Garbage & Drains Empty aerosol cans that contained food products (whip cream, cooking spray) may be placed in your blue recycling cart. All other empty aerosol cans, such as empty paint cans, should be placed in the trash. Cans that are not empty or contain leftover material should be diposed of as HHW. It's Hazardous Waste If there’s even a drop of liquid left, an aerosol can is still pressurized and can explode, so dispose of it as hazardous waste. Empties Are Recyclable If an aerosol can is completely empty, it’s OK to recycle it with other metal cans. Alternative Ways to Recycle Febreze Aerosol Recycling Program Recycle empty Febreze-branded aerosol containers through TerraCycle’s Febreze Aerosol Recycling Program. Did You Know? Aerosol Cans Still Aren't Green The United States stopped using chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in aerosol cans in the 1970s because they were depleting the ozone layer. Yet aerosol cans still contain chemicals that contribute to climate change, such as compressed gases and hydrocarbons.