Compressed Gas Cylinders

CYLINDERS



Compressed gas cylinders come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pressurized and compressed gas cylinders should never be placed in the trash.

CONCERNS WITH COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS

Putting cylinders in the trash is a dangerous and potentially disastrous idea. Gas cylinders of any kind are potentially explosive when they are disposed of in the trash because of the way garbage is handled, transported, and processed. Propane and flammable gas cylinders are especially dangerous when mishandled and have caused injuries and deaths.

hhw propane types 01

Propane

The most common compressed gas most homeowners use is propane. These cylinders include the 20-pound cylinders for BBQ grilles and the 1-pound cylinders used for camping.

Using propane is safe as long as you follow recommended handling practices and common sense. 

For more information on the safe usage and disposal of propane gas cylinders, see the following:

Small Cylinders

Other Compressed Gases

  • Aerosol cans are also pressurized cylinders. In addition to containing flammable propellant they often contain toxic materials. Empty, depressurized cans may be placed in the trash if necessary.
  • Refrigerant, or "freon" cylinders are used mainly by licensed automotive, residential, and commercial air conditioning companies. However, smaller 1-pound containers are also available for retail sale. It is a violation of federal law to purposely release ozone depleting refrigerants into the atmosphere.
  • Helium tanks for filling balloons are also becoming increasingly popular. Although helium is not flammable the pressurized cylinder still presents a physical hazard.
  • Medical oxygen cylinders can usually be returned to the supply service.

Households may use the dedicated cylinder drop-off areas at SWA transfer stations or bring unwanted cylinders to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The SWA's HHW drop-off locations provide convenient locations for individuals to discard unwanted cylinders and all of their household hazardous wastes.

WHERE CAN I TAKE CYLINDERS?

Any HCRC


HCRCRetail Exchange Service
1lb - 100lb Cylinder✔

20 lb Propane✔
✔
Aerosol Can✔

Helium Tank✔

Refrigerant Cylinder✔

COMMERCIAL CYLINDER DISPOSAL

The SWA will accept only empty containers for disposal (not the gas). Empty cylinders from commercial sources are accepted only at the SWA's North County Disposal Site on North Jog Road in West Palm Beach and may not be delivered to the transfer stations.

Some scrap yards and metal recyclers may also accept empty cylinders.

Cylinders must have the valves removed and the cylinder open to the atmosphere. Sealed cylinders will not be accepted. Generators of the waste are expected to comply will all applicable environmental laws covering the disposition of the containers' contents.

Oxygen and Acetylene and welding gas cylinders should be returned to the welding or supply service.

Commercial entities should contact SWA Hazardous Waste Services at 561-687-1100 to schedule delivery. All cylinders will be inspected.

The Solid Waste Authority will not accept any load of refuse containing commercial quantities of gas cylinders. Mixed loads containing commercial cylinders will be refused.