Aerosolv efficient aerosol can recycling technology deployed in Japan

(18/06/2009)

Under the direction of the Japanese government, Aerosol Industry Association and Japan Waste Management Association held a contest from June 2006 to March 2008 to find the most efficient way to recycle aerosol cans, an ongoing concern for community officials there. Aerosolv, a system that efficiently punctures, depressurizes and drains aerosol cans containing paint, solvents and hydrocarbons, beat out other solutions from around the world.

Before, local governments in Japan used different disposal methods for aerosol products, some labeling them hazardous goods, yet still disposing of them in landfills. With an increased emphasis on the benefits of recycling aerosol cans, local governments are doing a better job of recycling, using the Aerosolv.

Taiyo Petroleum Gas Co., Ltd. and Sanyo Trading Co., Ltd., members of the association and with over 50 years experience handling aerosol, have been using the Aerosolv technology for the past 12 years. Says Mr. Makoto Komatsu, Managing Director, Business Development Department of Taiyo Petroleum Gas Co., Ltd., “We really appreciate that we could contribute to the Aerosol Industry Association, who bears the cost for building a framework of aerosol disposition for local governments, by the provision of the easy-to-use, safe-to-use, inexpensive aerosol can disposal machine, Aerosolv.”

Michael Campbell, inventor of the Aerosolv system and president of Katec, Inc., is proud of the way Sanyo and Taiyo Petroleum have brought efficient aerosol can recycling technology to Japan. He says, “When businesses are aware of Aerosolv, they realize that it’s a win-win for their bottom line and for the environment.” Campbell also says demand has increased 30 percent per year in the past three years as the product’s reputation has spread and the mandate for “green” solutions has increased.

There are more than 44,000 Aerosolv units in operation worldwide.

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