Disposing of a gas cylinder correctly is extremely important, particularly in today’s climate of environmental awareness and advocacy. Correct disposal reduces your company’s environmental footprint which reduces liability, improves public relations, and helps you stay in compliance with any of your customers’ requirements for their suppliers and contractors.

You can dispose of gas cylinders by doing the following:

  1. Check if your state classifies cylinders as hazardous waste
  2. Locate an appropriate recycling facility in your area
  3. Confirm each cylinder's readiness for disposal
  4. Contact facility to arrange drop-off or pickup of cylinders

Video of cylinder disposal at an EPA site:

Before disposing of any cylinder, familiarize yourself with any applicable state laws. Three important questions should also be asked when determining how to dispose of a cylinder:

  • Does the cylinder contain hazardous materials?
  • Is there any remaining pressure in the cylinder?
  • If empty, could the cylinder contain toxic residue?

Compressed gas cylinders should not be placed in regular trash or recycling dumpsters, unless explicitly instructed by the county or city authorities.

Gas Recycling

Some organizations and facilities are able to recycle any unused gases present in a cylinder, if you have a partially full container that is no longer needed.

Cylinders are considered to be empty of gases when they are at or near atmospheric pressure.

Cylinder Recycling

In some states, empty cylinders can be recycled with other scrap metal. Many recycling facilities require that the valve be removed and the cylinder cut in half before they will accept it. The valve is removed by placing the cylinder in a vise and using a special tool (and some force) to completely detach it from the cylinder. Other facilities require that the cylinder be punctured before disposal.

In other states, cylinders are classified as hazardous waste. In this case, an environmental consultant can be hired to handle the proper disposal of the cylinders. You may also have a facility in your area that is equipped to handle commercial hazardous wastes. Searching for your area’s household hazardous materials disposal via the city or county may be a good place to get information on commercial disposal of hazardous waste. Your cylinder supplier may also be able to provide you with information on disposal facilities in your area.

Disposal of Unidentified Cylinders and Damaged Cylinders

Compressed gas cylinders with unknown contents can post a great risk to employees and the environment if not handled with care. Cylinders with unknown contents should be handled and disposed of as though they contained the most hazardous of the gases available at your location. Some disposal facilities have the ability to identify and safely dispose of unidentified cylinders and their contents.

Cylinders that are leaking or that have damaged valves or other damaged parts will often not be accepted for disposal by typical facilities. In fact, cylinders with damaged valves often cannot legally be shipped. In the case of a damaged valve or leaking cylinder, a supplier or disposal facility should be contacted to safely transfer the contents of the cylinder.

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