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Multiple bear spray cans have exploded in a transfer station near Yellowstone, caused by improper disposal. Workers are affected, and efforts to improve collection are underway. The issue highlights challenges in waste management and public safety.
Multiple explosions of bear spray cans have occurred at a transfer station near Yellowstone National Park, posing safety risks for sanitation workers and highlighting disposal challenges for visitors.
Workers at a garbage transfer station near Yellowstone have experienced frequent explosions of bear spray cans during trash compaction, with the latest incident occurring in mid-April 2024. These cans, which are highly pressurized and contain flammable aerosol, often end up in the trash from visitors and local residents who discard expired or unused cans after trips to the park.
According to Matt Whitman, director of the Park County Public Works Department, explosions can cause the spread of mace-like spray throughout the facility, forcing delays of one to two hours as fans clear the air. The high-powered spray can irritate workers’ eyes and respiratory systems, with some experiencing prolonged discomfort.
Why It Matters
This issue underscores the safety risks faced by sanitation workers handling waste contaminated with volatile bear spray cans. It also raises concerns about environmental and public safety, as the cans are not currently being recycled effectively and improper disposal remains common amid rising park visitation.
With Yellowstone experiencing increasing visitation—projected at nearly 4.8 million visitors in 2025—more bear spray cans are likely to be discarded improperly, exacerbating the explosion risk and waste management challenges.
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Background
Yellowstone National Park has long encouraged visitors to carry bear spray for safety, with the number of visitors rising sharply since 2020. The cans are meant to be used in emergencies to deter bears, but many visitors discard expired or unused cans in trash bins, as regulations prohibit bringing them on airplanes and disposal options are limited.
Previous recycling programs, including collaborations by Yellowstone Forever and Counter Assault, operated until around 2016 but are no longer active. Current options for disposal are limited, and some manufacturers, like UDAP, suggest disposing of cans in trash after use, which contributes to the explosion problem.
“We fairly frequently pop open a can of bear spray, which then spreads throughout the entire transfer station, forcing my guys to try to get out of the building as quickly as they can.”
— Matt Whitman, Director of Park County Public Works Department
“There’s no end game for those cans. People carry bear spray for safety, but then they don’t know what to do with expired or unused cans.”
— Evan Stout, Yellowstone Wildlife Guide Company
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how widespread the explosion problem is beyond the current transfer station, nor whether new disposal or recycling programs will be implemented effectively in the near future.
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What’s Next
The Park County Public Works Department plans to install additional bear spray-specific collection containers to reduce the number of cans in trash. Authorities are also exploring options for recycling or safe disposal, but no definitive solutions have been announced yet.
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Key Questions
Why do bear spray cans explode in the trash?
Bear spray cans are pressurized and contain flammable aerosol. When crushed or damaged in the trash, the pressure can cause the cans to rupture or explode, releasing spray and causing safety hazards.
What should I do with expired or unused bear spray?
Currently, there are limited disposal options. Some manufacturers suggest disposing of the cans in trash after use, but this poses explosion risks. Efforts are underway to establish safer disposal and recycling programs.
Are there any recycling programs for bear spray cans?
Previous programs by Yellowstone Forever and Counter Assault operated until around 2016 but are no longer active. Some companies like UDAP once accepted used cans for recycling but no longer do so. No current widespread recycling options exist in the Yellowstone area.
How common are these explosions?
According to local officials, explosions are fairly frequent, occurring roughly once a month, with recent incidents in mid-April 2024 highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
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