Maryland, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Look to Adopt Aerosols as Universal Waste Rule by End of 2024

Aerosol cans are widely used and can pose an environmental threat if not recycled and disposed of properly. The Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) estimates that 3.75 billion aerosol cans were filled in the United States in 2016 alone and account for nearly 40% of retail items managed as hazardous waste. With this, the Environmental Protection Agency added aerosols to the federal universal waste list, streamlining regulations and easing regulatory burdens. 

As this rule has already been adopted by many states with more to come, Clean Earth will continue to report on the status of the remaining states and their adaption of the rule. 

Anticipated Rulemaking in 2024:

Connecticut: The rule is currently being drafted. The proposed rule, hearing dates, comment periods and meeting notices are expected to be published in 2024. The final rule is set to go into effect in 2024 or 2025.

Maryland: The rule is currently being drafted. The proposed rule is set to be published in March 2024. The hearing dates, comment periods, and meeting notices are anticipated in the spring of 2024. The final rule is set to go into effect in the spring of 2024.

Massachusetts: The rule is in the post-public comment period. The proposed rule was published on January 4, 2023. The final rule is set to go into effect in 2024. 

Rhode Island: The rule is undergoing internal discussions. The proposed rule, hearing dates, comment periods and meeting notices are expected to be published in the summer of 2024. The final rule is expected to go into effect in the fall of 2024.

Anticipated Rulemaking in 2025:

Kansas: The rule is currently being drafted. The proposed rule, hearing dates, comment periods and meeting notices are expected to be published in 2024. The final rule is set to go into effect in 2025.

Missouri: The rule is currently being drafted. The proposed rule is expected to be published on August 15, 2024. The comment period is expected to occur in 2024. The final rule is set to go into effect on February 18, 2025.

Wisconsin: The rule is in a post-public comment period. The proposed rule is set to be published in the spring of 2024. A public hearing is scheduled for May 2024. The final rule is expected to go into effect in the summer of 2025.

Clean Earth acts as a partner to provide comprehensive solutions to suit the needs of waste generators, making it our priority to find the safest, most efficient disposal methods. Discover more on Clean Earth’s aerosol recycling solutions.

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