Environmental Effects of Air Fresheners

On top of the pollution created by the the production of the aerosol can, there are also environmental problems regarding the disposal of aerosol can air fresheners.  Most people throw away air fresheners, leaving them and their harmful ingredients inside a waste pile for years and years.  For those who want to recycle their aerosol air fresheners, the University of Wisconsin lays out the steps for recycling.  Consumers must puncture and drain the can, collecting all liquid.  Then they have to treat the gases and vapors with a carbon filter, which becomes hazardous waste.  Finally, the can is able to be sent to a recycling plant and recycled as scrap metal.  Transporting the aerosol cans to recycling plants creates even more pollution and environmental harm.