As a theatre company we use a significant amount of aerosol cans for design elements. With the help of Broadway Green Alliance, we purchased an aerosol can recycling system that depressurizes aerosol cans by puncturing and draining them safely. The filter on top captures VOCs and the bucket at the bottom collects the paint and other liquid residues. After emptying the cans completely, we recycled them in compliance with the NYC Department of Sanitation regulations. The recycling tool is regularly used by our set designers and the costumes department. A huge success of the project is that it is a one-time investment that we hope to use over the course of the next decade on a continuous basis. Another benefit of the project is that it opened the space where we were storing the accumulated aerosol cans.

Unfortunately, aerosol cans cannot simply be thrown away, nor are they recyclable. The process of emptying cans can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the environment. VOCs are hazardous for both people and the environment as they are carcinogenic and deplete stratospheric ozone. We must purchase filters for the recycling system from time to time, however, that cost is negligible compared to the initial setup cost.

We shared the project on our social media channels to highlight the environmental impact of proper aerosol can disposal and to raise awareness about sustainable practices in theatrical design.