press room : KATEC/Aerosolv Fact Sheet
Katec Incorporated began operations in 1984. Aerosolv operations and manufacturing began in 1991 and ProSolv followed in 1998.
Product distribution is achieved through a network of distributors in Environmental, Safety and Industrial markets.
Aerosolv is the first and only aerosol can recycling technology certified in the joint U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California EPA Environmental Technology Verification Program.
With Aerosolv, recycling aerosol cans is as easy as…using them.
Aerosolv does 2 things:
- It helps the environment by converting a hazardous aerosol can to a recyclable steel container and diverting it from landfill. Recycling one (1) pound of steel, approximately 4 aerosol cans, saves 5,450 BTUs in subsequent steel production.
- It saves businesses money. To meet RCRA regulations without Aerosolv, pressurized aerosol cans must be packed in a drum and manifested for solid hazardous waste disposal. A 55-gallon drum holds 96 cans and costs as much as $1,500 for proper transportation and disposal.
With Aerosolv, that same drum can be used to safely collect the liquid contents from about 42-hundred punctured cans. As solid waste, those same cans—unpunctured and undrained—would require at least forty 55-gallon drums. Comparing aerosol disposal as solid hazardous waste with the Aerosolv way, the cost savings with Aerosolv would range from $28,000 to $52,000.
- Even when “empty” the can cannot be relieved of pressure through normal use. Aerosolv safely relieves the pressure and collects residual contents. Static build-up is prevented automatically with the Anti-Static Ground Wire provided with each system.
“…a steel can that does not contain a significant amount of liquid (e.g., a can that has been punctured and drained) would meet the definition of scrap metal (40 CFR 261.1(c) (6), and, if it is to be recycled, would be exempt from regulation under 40 CFR 261.6(a) (3) (iv). Scrap metal that is recycled is exempt from RCRA regulation under this provision even if it is hazardous waste, so generators need not to make a hazardous waste determination.”
Michael H. Shapiro
Director, Office of Solid Waste
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
- How it works: Aerosolv screws onto the 2” bung of any 30- to 55-gallon drum. The Combination Filter screws onto the ¾” bung also found on the drum. The can is inserted into the Aerosolv and locked into place. By pushing the handle the can is punctured and drained directly into drum. It is filtered of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and is now a recyclable steel container in compliance with RCRA.
- The liquids collected in the drum can be reused too. By setting up the Aerosolv system on several drums, residual solvents can be collected into one drum and residual paints into another. The solvents can be recycled right in the shop as parts cleaner. Paints can be reclaimed, often resulting in waste minimization credit.
“Thank you for your continued interest in our recycling program. During the period from 1 October 1992 to 31 September 1993, COMNAVBASE Norfolk realized a savings of $333,738.00 by utilizing the Aerosolv Aerosol Can Recycling System. The Aerosolv system was implemented as an alternative to the previous practice of hazardous waste disposal of aerosol cans bulked in drums as solid waste."
Commander
Naval Base Norfolk
UNITED STATES NAVY