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Oily Waste Safety Cans
Oily and solvent-soaked rags, wipes and other combustible waste can generate heat as certain oils and chemicals react with air, creating a risk of spontaneous ignition when these materials accumulate or are discarded improperly. Oily waste cans provide dedicated temporary storage in maintenance areas, workshops and other locations where this type of waste is generated, using foot-operated, self-closing lids to keep the container closed when it is not being accessed.
Safety Media carries foot-operated oily waste cans in steel and heavy-wall HDPE, with 6-, 10- and 14-gallon capacities available depending on the material and model. Steel cans use round construction and elevated bases to promote air circulation around the container, while HDPE models provide a rust- and dent-resistant option with seamless, leak-resistant construction. The National Fire Code of Canada 2025, Article 2.4.1.3 specifies a noncombustible receptacle with a close-fitting, self-closing metal cover for materials subject to spontaneous ignition such as oily rags, so steel construction should be selected where this requirement applies. The HDPE models are FM Approved and are manufactured for oily-waste applications under applicable OSHA and NFPA requirements. A Drum Spill Pallet is also available for secondary containment of leaks and spills from up to two 55-gallon drums.
Oily Waste Cans Frequently Asked Questions
Why do oily waste cans have self-closing lids?
Certain oil-soaked materials can generate heat as they oxidize, and accumulated heat can lead to spontaneous ignition. A self-closing lid keeps the container closed when it is not being loaded, helping reduce oxygen inside the can and isolate the contents from sparks or other external ignition sources. Foot-operated models also allow oily rags and wipes to be deposited without manually opening the lid.