Its OK to Spray

CFC Free

In the early 1970s, US scientists first started to express concern that the manmade chlorofluorocarbons (or 'CFCs') used in the airconditioning, aerosol, foam blowing and refrigeration industries were responsible for an apparent thinning of the ozone layer.

The aerosol industry responded by phasing out its use of these CFCs and shifting to non-ozone depleting natural hydrocarbons.

As developments in technology allowed, more and more aerosols shifted to hydrocarbon propellants so that by the early 1980s less than 25 percent still used CFCs.

Acting in advance of international obligations, the Australian industry voluntarily ceased its use of CFC propellants before the end of 1989.

This phase-out was subsequently given legislative force in Commonwealth and State legislation and there are severe penalties for those who sell, manufacture or import aerosols containing CFCs unless they have a special exemption (currently restricted to medical products such as asthma inhalers).

The industry then went on to phase out other ozone depleting chemicals used as solvents in some products.

So today's aerosols don't damage the ozone layer and the propellants now used in the majority of aerosols have - in the words of Dr Paul Fraser of the CSIRO - "a negligible greenhouse effect".

For more information on the science of ozone depletion, check out the EPA information on the science of ozone depletion.

In other words, It's OK to Spray!

...And Now Your Aerosols Are Recyclable

Steel is the world's most recycled material and over 65 percent of Australian aerosols are made of it.

This means that every steel (tinplate) aerosol contains around 20 percent recycled content and with your support the steel in it can be recycled again and again, saving energy and resources.

Over 17.2 million Australians are able to recycle their empty steel aerosols, thanks to their local council and the Steel Can Recycling Council.

You can find out whether your council recycles aerosols (steel or aluminium cans) by using the search function on www.recyclingnearyou.com.au.

Remember to ensure that your aerosol is empty and do not pierce or squash the aerosol. If possible, remove plastic parts that come off easily such as the lids.

If you are a council and want more information on aerosol recycling, contact the Cansmart™ hotline on 1800 073 713.