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Useful Resources for Cylinder Recycling
*To be viewed as guidance only*
Cylinder recycling can vary by municipality and region. A general web search like "Household Hazardous Waste disposal near me" or "cylinder recycling near me" may provide information on local disposal options along with potential pickup and drop-off sites in your area. Because of the metal type of your cylinder, you may also have success taking your empty cylinder to a mixed metal scrap yard for disposal.
Looking for 20-pound tank recycling? Please visit propane.com
Confirm your cylinder is empty
Identify your local solid waste authority
Contact your local solid waste authority for further instructions
Contact your local solid waste authority for directions on where to dispose of your cylinder.
Tip: Ask if cylinders are accepted in your area(s)' Household Hazardous Waste collection.
Downloadable Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cylinder Collective?
Cylinder Collective is a collaboration of cylinder producers committed to creating and supporting residential recycling programs through industry-led efforts. Our mission is to promote stewardship programs that are operationally efficient, convenient, accessible, and free to residential consumers.
Why should I recycle a cylinder?
As with other materials, recycling residential gas cylinders is good for the environment. Metal recycled from these cylinders can be reused and made into other products. In addition, it is important to ensure safe handling of residential gas cylinders when consumers are done using them.
Why is a separate collection system needed for these products?
Even empty cylinders still have residual gases in them when turned in for recycling. Recovering those gasses requires a specific process that is not part of traditional waste collection. Similar to how PaintCare makes it easy to recycle paint and Call2Recycle offers convenient drop-offs for battery recycling, Cylinder Collective makes sure used cylinders are recycled in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
Why do I need to recycle through Cylinder Collective?
This cylinder recycling program is the first of its kind. Because this effort is industry-led, we are able to expertly and efficiently reclaim any residual gasses and properly recycle the material components of each cylinder, alleviating the burden on local waste authorities to manage these types of products.
What kind of cylinders can I recycle?
The cylinders we recycle are the ones commonly used for camping, cooking, DIY projects, and other household tasks—think small propane or isobutane cylinders, helium tanks, and handheld torches. These types of cylinders contain gases such as propane, butane, helium, and carbon dioxide. Visit our Recycle a Cylinder page to see the products we accept.
Where will cylinders be collected?
Collection points may include municipal waste collection sites such as transfer stations, state parks and campgrounds, household hazardous waste collection events, and other sites. Cylinder Collective recycling programs will be available in select states starting in 2025. Check back soon to see established collection points listed under our Programs & Participants section. Have an idea for a collection site? Send us a message.
What should I do with empty cylinders prior to the start of this program?
The stewardship program will go into effect October 2025, offering free, accessible, and convenient recycling options to local residents. Until then, check with your local solid waste authority or household hazardous waste facility to identify recycling options in your area. Visit our Resources page for more information about cylinder recycling.
When will this be available in other states?
Our program will be available in Connecticut in 2025. We believe that a collaborative approach is the best way to develop recycling programs that meet the needs of consumers, retailers, producers, and government. Cylinder Collective is committed to replicating our model approach in other states interested in pressurized cylinder stewardship solutions.