Workers were left alarmed as an unemptied aerosol can caused a large explosion at a recycling plant in Wiltshire last week.

The incident occurred at a recycling sorting facility in Calne which is run by Hills Waste Solutions.CCTV cameras at the location managed to capture the moment the can exploded.

Following the incident, which happened on December 23, Hills Waste Solutions and Wiltshire Council were quick to remind residents of the danger associated with placing unemptied aerosol cans into recycling bins.

A joint statement read: “Only completely empty aerosol cans should be put in the blue-lidded recycling bin so please check before disposing them."

Henry Newbery is the recycling manager at Hills Waste Solutions and he managed to provide some good news in amongst the adversity dealt to the recycling plant.

“The CCTV footage shows a significant explosion from this incident, and fortunately no-one was injured and there was no damage caused to equipment or property,” he said.

Partially full aerosol cans could cause explosions and potentially endanger recycling staff and property. 

To make sure an aerosol can is fully empty, simply depress the nozzle until no more air or propellant can be heard escaping.

The council also stands firm on the policy of what can be recycled and also provided comment in response to the powerful explosion experienced in Calne.

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for waste, said: “I’m thankful no one was hurt in this incident. Unfortunately it’s only one of hundreds of waste fires across the country each year.

“It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of throwing away certain items like unspent aerosol cans and batteries, both of which have been linked to fires and explosions at waste facilities.

“Please help to keep staff safe and reduce costs from machine breakdowns by checking on our website what you can and can’t recycle or throw away in your general waste bin.”

Aerosol cans that have not been fully emptied and any type of pressurised cylinders, such as camping gas cylinders and large NOx cylinders, can be taken to a household recycling centre, please speak to staff about the suitable location for these items.

Details of what can be recycled in Wiltshire Council's blue-lidded kerbside recycling bins can be found here.