Everyone knows that carrying bear spray is essential when recreating in bear country. Harder to know is how to dispose of half-used or expired cans. Because bear spray is an ultra-potent pepper spray—it contains a concentrated form of the substance that makes chili peppers spicy—packaged in a highly pressurized aerosol canister, it is classified as a hazardous material. If thrown in standard trash bins, it can easily rupture inside garbage trucks or at landfills, creating severe respiratory hazards for municipal waste management workers.
So, what to do?
Option 1—If you’re just visiting, consider renting bear spray rather than buying it
Bear Aware, which became part of Teton Backcountry Rentals in 2021, provides bear spray rentals at 12 different locations in Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park. Prices begin at $16 for one or two days and are capped at $28 (versus about $50 to buy a canister).
Renting not only saves you money, but also helps keep canisters out of circulation and landfills.
Option 2—Drop it off somewhere that can safely dispose of it
The Sublette County Visitors Center in Pinedale takes both expired and partially used cans of bear spray from individuals for no charge. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. through September 19; September 20–May 2027: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday; 19 E. Pine St., Pinedale; 307/367−3419
The Teton County Hazardous Waste/Recycling Center accepts half-used and expired cans of bear spray from individuals and groups. There’s a fee of $2 per can because the cans are sent to Clean Harbors in Nevada for safe processing. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday; 3270 S. Adams Canyon Rd., Jackson; 307/733-7678
Teton Backcountry Rentals/Bear Awareallows individuals to drop off their canister of expired or half-used bear spray at no cost (even if it was not rented or purchased through them). 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily through October 18. December 15–April 15: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily; 565 N. Cache St., Jackson, 307/828-1885
All visitor centers inside Grand Teton National Park (at Moose, Colter Bay, Jenny Lake, and the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve) accept bear spray cans from individuals for no charge. Check website for specific address and hours. 307/739-3399 (Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose)
Option 3—Empty the canister and then put it in the regular trash
Because one of the reasons that cans of bear spray have expiration dates is that the propellant can leak out over time, this option won’t always work. But it’s worth a try, especially since, if successful, it not only makes the can easier to dispose of, but also allows you to practice deploying bear spray.
Move to an open area away from people, pets, and buildings and determine which way the wind is blowing. With the canister’s nozzle pointed downwind, remove the safety clip and hold down the trigger continuously until the canister is completely empty and no more pressure or liquid expels.
Wrap the fully emptied canister in paper towels or a rag, then throw it into your regular household trash.
If you’re aware of other locations around the BTNF that accept expired or partially-used cans of bear spray, please let us know (info@btfriends.org).
