About Aerosols
Environmental Care: A Shift to Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Aerosols and CFC-Free Products in South Africa
In the 1970s, scientists raised concerns that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were widely used in aerosols, air conditioning, and refrigeration, were contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer. This led to a global effort to eliminate the use of CFCs, and the aerosol industry responded quickly.
By the 1980s, the aerosol industry in many countries, including South Africa, began phasing out CFCs, replacing them with non-ozone-depleting alternatives like natural hydrocarbons.Â
Sustainable Aerosol Practices
Beyond phasing out CFCs, the aerosol industry has continued to eliminate other harmful ozone-depleting chemicals used as solvents. As a result, modern aerosols are both safe for the environment and effective in their performance.
In short, today’s aerosol products in South Africa are environmentally responsible, and it’s completely safe to use them without worrying about harming the ozone layer.
So, it's OK to spray!
CFC-Free Aerosols Today
In South Africa, the use of CFCs in aerosols is strictly prohibited by law, except in very specific cases with special exemptions, such as asthma sprays. This regulation aligns with global agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol, which aims to protect the ozone layer. Aerosols that used CFC’s in the past, now use hydrocarbon propellants that have an Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) of zero, which means that there is no impact on the ozone layer and a negligible impact on the greenhouse effect.
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Recycling
Do you often stand by your recycling bins, unsure of what can and can’t be recycled? You’re not alone. In the first of our series to clear up the confusion, we’ll focus on aerosol cans. Can you recycle them, and what happens if you don’t?
How to recycle aerosol cans
Recycling aerosol cans in the office or at home? Here are a few tips:
- Ensure the can is completely empty before recycling.
- Avoid piercing, crushing, or flattening the can—remember, it’s pressurised.
- Please do not remove the dust cover (if it has one) for safety purposes. You may place the entire pack into your recycling bin.
- It is not necessary to separate Aerosols from other metal packaging, or other packaging substrates such as glass and paper.
What happens when you recycle aerosol cans?
Recycling aerosols helps conserve energy and resources. When you place an aerosol can in the recycling bin, it’s taken to a facility where:
- A small hole is safely pierced in the can to drain any remaining contents and propellant.
- The materials, like steel and aluminium, are separated and recycled.
- Recycled aerosol materials are then used to manufacture a variety of new products, from mobile phones to appliances and even aircraft parts.
Can You Recycle Cans?
Yes, aerosol cans can be recycled. They’re made from tin-plated steel and aluminium, both of which are recyclable materials. All of South African municipalities accept aerosols in home recycling collections. Additionally, many recycling facilities across the country are equipped to handle them. Given that South Africa consumes millions of aerosols every year, recycling them could make a big environmental impact.Currently, approximately 80% of metal packaging, including aerosols, are recycled in South Africa.
How long do aerosols take to break down in a landfill?
If not recycled, aerosols can take up to 200 years to break down in a landfill, contributing to long-term environmental damage.
Are aerosols recycled around the world?
Yes, aerosol cans are commonly recycled across the globe. In South Africa, they can be disposed of alongside paper, glass and plastic in mixed recycling bins, and do not have to be seperated. The metals are separated and repurposed into new products after being processed.
By making small efforts to recycle aerosols, we can contribute to a more sustainable South Africa. Keep an eye on our blog for more tips on recycling and sustainability!
Brazil sets an impressive example by recycling 100% of its aerosol cans. Through efficient collection and processing, the country shows how effective recycling can reduce waste and support a circular economy. This achievement serves as an inspiring model for other nations looking to improve their own recycling efforts.