Produced by RTI Innovation Advisors, a division of RTI International, in collaboration with the Aerosol Recycling Initiative, the 2026 playbook “Yes We Can!” provides a comprehensive framework for Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to safely and profitably accept aerosol cans. The initiative, led by the Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) and the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), aims to transform the aerosol recycling landscape across the United States. This strategic guide addresses long-standing safety concerns while highlighting the significant economic and environmental advantages of incorporating aerosol cans into standard recycling streams.
Aerosol cans have long occupied a complex space in the waste management sector; while their steel and aluminum components are highly valuable, perceived risks of fire and explosion have historically deterred many facilities from accepting them. A new industry playbook released by RTI Innovation Advisors provides a data-driven roadmap to bridge this gap. By setting ambitious 2030 goals—achieving an 85% household access rate for curbside recycling and ensuring 90% of cans are clearly labeled as recyclable—the initiative seeks to standardize aerosol management nationwide. The report reveals that with the right combination of prevention, mitigation, and consumer education, aerosol recycling is not only safe but also a multi-million dollar opportunity for the recycling industry.
The playbook is designed to facilitate informed conversations between MRFs and supply chain stakeholders, providing generalized “personas” to help facilities identify their current stance and operational needs.
Economic Potential: Millions in Untapped Revenue
The financial incentives for accepting aerosol cans are substantial, driven by high commodity values and the avoidance of landfill costs. The RTI report provides specific quantitative projections based on industry performance:
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National Revenue: At a 50% aerosol can recycling rate, the industry could generate an estimated $39 million in total annual revenue for U.S. MRFs.
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Facility-Level Gain: An average individual MRF stands to gain approximately $77,000 in additional annual revenue by accepting these materials.
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Disposal Savings: The industry could save $5.5 million annually in avoided disposal costs and tipping fees.
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Consumer Alignment: Market data shows that 52% of U.S. consumers already associate metal packaging with recyclability, and 78% of consumers look at packaging for recycling directions.
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Market Value: As of August 2025, steel cans—where many aerosol cans are eventually processed—were valued at $158.13 per ton.
Debunking Safety Risks: Data-Driven Perspectives on Fires
Safety remains the primary concern for MRF operators, as non-empty or pressurized cans can potentially lead to fires or equipment damage during the baling process. However, the playbook provides critical context using recent safety studies:
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Comparison to Other Risks: A 2025 report from the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) found that only 5% of MRFs reported fires caused by aerosol cans.
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The Battery Crisis: In contrast, 40% of fires in the materials management sector are caused by lithium-ion batteries, which represent a much more frequent and severe hazard.
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Incident Severity: Of the fires attributed to aerosols in the 2025 survey, none required a response from external emergency services.
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Case Study Outcomes: An MRF in Utah that invested in infrared fire-detection and suppression technology (such as Fire Rover) reported that they have not experienced any significant fire incidents associated with aerosols since installation.
Strategic Personas and Industry Roadmaps
The playbook categorizes MRFs into three distinct “personas” to help guide their transition toward aerosol acceptance:
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The Aerosol Rejector: Facilities that do not currently accept aerosols due to safety and equipment concerns. The roadmap for these facilities focuses on evaluating current handling and identifying profitable end markets.
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The Cautious, Quiet Acceptor: MRFs that accept aerosols but do not publicize it to avoid a surge in improperly prepared cans. Their roadmap emphasizes working with municipalities to synchronize public messaging with safe disposal education.
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The Aerosol Acceptor: Facilities that publicly state acceptance and have found a balance between safety and profitability. They rely heavily on consumer outreach to ensure only empty cans enter the stream.
Best Practices: Prevention, Mitigation, and Communication
To support safe acceptance, the RTI report recommends a four-category approach of best practices:
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Prevention: Implementing manual presorting stations to intercept non-empty cans before they reach balers.
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Mitigation: Utilizing advanced fire-suppression systems to limit damage and protect personnel.
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Communication: Developing simple, targeted messaging for residents. A successful model in Portland, Oregon, uses a three-step instruction: Press It (ensure no hiss), Shake It (ensure no moving liquid), and Recycle It (place in the bin).
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Analysis: Conducting collaborative characterization studies to understand the types of products (household vs. hazardous) entering the facility.
The guide concludes that while steel aerosols are readily accepted by end markets like Nucor and US Steel, aluminum aerosols can also find viable outlets in secondary markets, such as remelt scrap ingot (RSI) producers. By leveraging these multiple end markets, MRFs can ensure the marketability of their materials while advancing toward a more circular economy.
Official Sources and References:
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Aerosol Recycling Initiative – HCPA Official Page: https://www.thehcpa.org/aerosol-recycling-initiative/
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Full Playbook Access: https://www.thehcpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HCPA-Aerosol-Recycling-MRF-Playbook-FINAL.pdf
