Self-Defense Spray Disposal: Compliance Made Easy

Learn what to do if your organization accumulates large amounts of expired and/or confiscated self-defense sprays and related compounds—all of which qualify as RCRA hazardous. Q&As include:

1. What are self-defense sprays?
2. How do pepper sprays work
3. What kinds of pepper spray are there?
4. Who can use pepper spray?
5. Is pepper spray legal everywhere?
6. How do you properly use pepper spray?
7. What constituents of pepper sprays are hazmat?
8. How do you dispose of large amounts of pepper spray waste?
9. What is tear gas?
10. Is tear gas waste RCRA hazardous?
11. Is tear gas canister recycling possible?
12. What are DOT compliant containers for transporting pepper spray waste or tear gas waste?
13. Where can you get expert help and advice to manage pepper spray and tear gas waste?

1. What are self-defense sprays?

The most ubiquitous self-defense sprays are called “pepper sprays,” in no small part because they’re derived from red hot chili peppers (which would be a great name for a band, no?).

The active ingredient in pepper spray—extracted from the aforementioned peppers—is something called oleoresin capsicum. Thus, pepper spray also goes by the moniker “capsicum spray” or—more laconically—“OC Spray.”

But call it what you will, pepper spray is designed to cause temporary incapacitation when sprayed into someone’s face or eyes. As such, while not as immediately effective as a Glock 17 with a round in the chamber, pepper spray is nonetheless a weapon. So, you better not use it just to fend off an aggressive drywall salesman.

BTW, tear gas is another kind of self-defense spray, albeit confined to law enforcement and military use, which presents its own disposal challenges (see Q.6).

2. How do pepper sprays work?

The principal ingredient in pepper sprays—capsicum—is a lachrymator, meaning that it causes tears, which (as you might imagine) is neither a necessary nor sufficient effect for stopping an assailant whose intentions are felonious and/or homicidal. That’s why pepper spray is valued for some of its other effects, which include:

• Triggering an intense burning sensation around the attacker’s face and eyes
• Irritating mucous membranes so that the attacker’s eyes are forced to close, leading to temporary blindness
• Causing difficulty breathing due to irritation of the respiratory system

These effects can last for 30–45 minutes, providing a potential victim ample time to escape, seek help, and perhaps stop for a matcha frappuccino on the way.

3. What kinds of pepper spray are there?

In general, there are four kinds.

• Foggers disperse in a wide cone, covering a larger area, and are useful for quick reactions.
• Streams release a narrow, focused stream, offering more range and accuracy (handy for windy conditions).
• Gels are thicker and stickier, which minimizes blowback (ideal for close-quarters or indoor use).
• Foams are similar to gels, coating the attacker’s face, further obscuring vision and incapacitating him or her.

4. Who can use pepper spray?

Both law enforcement and civilians can use pepper spray. And many of both do.

•  Regarding law enforcement: Police and corrections officers commonly use pepper spray as a nonlethal option to control individuals, manage situations, and disperse crowds. It’s employed when other de-escalation tactics fail, a suspect resists orders, or officers cannot safely approach someone struggling or being violent.
•  Regarding civilians: Many people carry pepper spray for protection in public, during nighttime walks, or when facing threats like stalking. In fact, one study shows that over 20 percent of women regularly carry it (see source).

5. Is pepper spray legal everywhere?

Yes. But with some caveats. Pepper spray is considered a nonlethal alternative to firearms in all 50 states, especially in situations where lethal force is not justified. It can be carried in places where firearms are prohibited. However, some states restrict factors such as canister size, formulation, and age for possession. (See source)

6. How do you properly use pepper spray?

• Remember that the primary purpose of pepper spray is to create a window of opportunity to escape—not to engage in a prolonged confrontation.
• Practice using your chosen pepper spray in a safe environment to ensure you’re comfortable and proficient in its use.
• Be aware of wind conditions when deploying the spray, as it can be blown back onto you.

Although pepper spray is a nonlethal option, individuals with pre-existing health conditions may experience severe reactions.

7. What constituents of pepper sprays are hazmat?

The specific classification and hazardous characteristics of a pepper spray will vary vis-à-vis concentrations, active ingredients, propellants, solvents, etc. Always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to know its specific hazards, handling precautions, and disposal requirements. All that said, pepper sprays commonly contain:

• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). This is both an irritant and inflammatory agent, meaning it causes irritation and inflammation upon contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. It can also cause lacrimation and other respiratory effects. When OC is shipped, especially in aerosol form, it falls under Class 9 DOT aerosol regulations (i.e., miscellaneous hazardous materials).
• Propellants. Pepper spray canisters are under pressure, making them potentially explosive if exposed to heat or punctured, and thus necessitating specific shipping & storage requirements. Propellants can be irritants if inhaled. They’re classified as  compressed gas but might have other RCRA hazardous characteristics depending on type (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or halogenated hydrocarbons).
• Other potential constituents. Some pepper sprays contain alcohols or other organic solvents that could be flammable or toxic. Such components need to be considered when evaluating the overall hazardous nature of a specific pepper spray product.

8. How do you dispose of large amounts of pepper spray waste?

If you’re the custodian of a large accumulation of expired and/or confiscated pepper spray, then you have a hazardous waste management challenge on your hands, one that involves DOT aerosol regulations and EPA/OSHA disposal guidelines. Get expert help. But meanwhile, proceed as follows:

Don’t attempt incineration, as pepper spray canisters are pressurized and can explode if exposed to heat. Instead, carefully empty the canisters taking the following precautions:

• Find a well-ventilated outdoor area away from people and pets.
• Stand upwind and spray the contents downwind, ideally into the ground or a designated area that won’t be frequented by humans or animals.
• Wear protective eyewear—and gloves to prevent skin contact.
• If any spray gets on your skin or clothes, remove them immediately, without touching your face, and wash the affected areas with soap and cool water.

Dispose of empty containers:

• Most jurisdictions allow empty canisters to be disposed of in regular trash—double check
• As empty canisters are made of metal, they can be recycled in many areas. Again—double check.

Manage unemptied or leaking canisters as hazardous waste:

• If you cannot safely empty canisters, or if they’re leaking, they’re RCRA hazardous.
• Place leaking containers in a sealed plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Contact a properly licensed hazardous waste disposal company.

N.B. Some communities offer collection events or permanent collection sites for hazardous materials, where you can safely dispose of “household amounts” of hazmat like pepper spray. Call ahead to confirm accepted items, hours, and any associated fees.

9. What is tear gas?

Tear gas is a general term referring to a group of chemical irritants, often used for riot control. Think of it as pepper spray on steroids. Like pepper spray, it causes temporary inability to function by irritating the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, and skin.

Despite the moniker, tear gas isn’t really a gas, but rather solids or liquids dispersed as aerosols or sprays. There are basically two kinds: CS and CN.

• CS stands for o‑chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (say that three times fast) and is the most common.
• CN stands for chloroacetophenone, aka mace, and is more caustic.

10. Is tear gas waste RCRA hazardous?

• CS tear gas is classified under Hazard Class 6 (Poisons and Infectious Substances).
• CN tear gas is classified as a poison (Hazard Class Division 6.1).

11. Is tear gas canister recycling possible?

It’s not safe to recycle tear gas canisters through standard recycling methods. Tear gas canisters are categorized as hazardous waste because they are pressurized and contain chemical irritants. The contents could be harmful to sanitation workers and risk an explosion during waste processing. Thus, proper disposal requires hazardous waste management. Get expert advice.

12. What are DOT compliant containers for transporting pepper spray waste or tear gas waste?

In general:

• Leaking or severely deformed containers must be transported in salvage cylinders or salvage packaging, with adequate measures taken to prevent a dangerous buildup of pressure.
• Aerosol containers must be placed in a strong outer packaging (e.g., a box) and cushioned to prevent shifting that might cause damage or leakage during transport. The valve should be protected (e.g., with a cap) to prevent accidental discharge.
• The complete package shouldn’t exceed 66 lbs., and aerosol container labeling must display applicable DOT hazmat markings.
• Additional requirements might apply if shipping by air or vessel.

(Source)

13. Where can you get expert help and advice to manage pepper spray waste and tear gas waste?

Hazardous Waste Experts specializes in the safe, compliant, and efficient handling of chemical agents such as pepper spray and tear gas.

Whether you’re a law enforcement agency, correctional facility, or security contractor, we understand the unique risks and regulatory requirements associated with these substances.

With years of experience and a commitment to responsible disposal, we provide turnkey solutions that protect your team, your community, and the environment.

Get expert advice today. Or call our new number at 425-414-3485.

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