US Ecology says it is first in US to offer advanced aerosol recycling

US Ecology Inc., Boise, Idaho, announced Sept. 9 that it is the first and only company in the U.S. now offering Aerosol Recycling Technology (ART). According to the company, ART is a sustainable solution for aerosol waste that produces recyclable metal, reusable alternative and liquid fuels and is landfill free with zero emissions. All recycling systems are capable of accepting mixed batches of aerosol cans, with or without actuator stems or plastic caps included.

The ART System was developed in an exclusive partnership with Netherlands-based Despray Environmental. According to the company, the ART system is unique in that it completely captures and compresses the gas propellant into purified recyclable liquid fuel, similar to liquid petroleum gas, for resell opportunities in support of a more circular economy. Additional recyclable or reusable byproducts of cans that run through the system include recyclable metal bricks and product compressed into reusable alternative fuel. The company’s fully enclosed process is also equipped with complete carbon capture and oxygen monitoring sensors to protect the environment and the health and safety of the personnel operating the system.

“Despray is excited to have formed an exclusive technical partnership with US Ecology and to be a part of such a leading-edge recycling campaign in the U.S.,” Despray CEO Eelco Osse says. “While earlier technologies in the market recycle portions of the aerosol can or its components, only ART is proven to effectively capture and recycle or reuse 100 percent of the can, whether empty or filled.”

“ART is an example of US Ecology’s ongoing commitment to identifying innovative, sustainable solutions for our customers in order to help them achieve their waste reduction goals and protect the environment,” US Ecology Executive Vice President and COO Simon Bell says. “The launch of the ART system is an exciting culmination of many team members’ hard work and dedication over the last few years, as well as mutually beneficial partnerships with equally environmentally conscious companies. This unique technology further sets US Ecology apart as a leader striving for a more sustainable future, offering innovative solutions to serve our customers and protect human health and the environment.”

US Ecology first ran its ART unit earlier this summer and has since been operating 24/7 out of its Beatty, Nevada, facility. The company says it has opportunities to expand the use of the system across its other treatment and service facilities.

Watch the ART animation video to learn more about US Ecology’s ART system.