TrashRules

A field guide for
the things we leave behind.

Paint & chemicalsSeattle, Washington

Aerosol cans with product left

A sound aerosol can with remaining product has a hazardous-waste route; empty cans require a separate local sorting check.

Paint & chemicals
More information needed

Check the conditions for your item

Confirm that your property is inside the city service area. A ZIP code alone does not establish service.

Your item, your situation

Find your next step

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Where it's being collected

A ZIP code alone does not confirm service. Check with Seattle Public Utilities

Specific limits still apply. Large quantities need separate confirmation.

Keep the details close

The local rules

Seattle

Follow the conditions that match your item and collection service. Open any rule for the full instructions and sources.

Special drop-offReviewed ruleApplies when: Is the product identified and the container sound?: Known product in a sound, labeled container · Does product remain?: Yes

Use household hazardous-waste collection for an identified aerosol can with product remaining.

For households · Seattle Public Utilities household collection

Quantity limit: Containers no larger than 5 gallons; total waste at most 50 gallons per trip.

Reviewed September 22, 2026

Seattle Public Utilities: Where to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste · King County Hazardous Waste Management Program: Aerosol disposal
Verify with the agencyReviewed ruleApplies when: Is the product identified and the container sound?: Damaged container; no active spill, gas leak, fumes, or immediate danger or Unknown product or missing label

Call the Haz Waste Help Line at 206-296-4692 for instructions for this condition. A routine drop-off has not been confirmed.

For households · Seattle Public Utilities household collection

Exceptions to check

Reviewed September 22, 2026

Seattle Public Utilities: Where to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste · King County Hazardous Waste Management Program: Unknown or unlabeled waste disposal
Verify with the agencyReviewed ruleApplies when: Is the product identified and the container sound?: Known product in a sound, labeled container · Does product remain?: Completely empty

Ask SPU at (206) 684-3000 to confirm the route for this empty aerosol can; do not infer regular recycling acceptance.

For households · Seattle Public Utilities household collection

Reviewed September 22, 2026

Seattle Public Utilities: Recycle Right · King County Hazardous Waste Management Program: Aerosol disposal
Verify with the agencyReviewed ruleApplies when: Is the product identified and the container sound?: Active hazardous spill, leaking gas, toxic fumes, fire, or immediate danger

Leave the area, warn others to stay away, and call 911 for an active hazardous spill, gas leak, toxic fumes, fire, or immediate danger.

For households · Seattle Public Utilities household collection

Reviewed September 22, 2026

Seattle Office of Emergency Management: Hazardous materials emergency instructions · Seattle Public Utilities: Spill Response Program

Places & programs to check

Confirm eligibility and acceptance for your item's condition before making a trip. Listing a location does not confirm that it can take every item.