Not Empty? It's Hazardous Waste
Even if there’s a drop of liquid left in a gas cylinder, then the cylinder is still pressurized and can explode. The fuel also usually contains propane, which is dangerous when touched or inhaled. Any cylinder that is not empty must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Use It Up
If your cylinder isn’t empty, either use up the leftover fuel on your next camping trip, or simply run your stove or lantern until there’s no fuel and the flame dies out.
Puncture Carefully
Make your empty cylinder appear safe to sanitation workers by puncturing it carefully. Lever the sharp, triangular point of a can opener against the cylinder’s bottom rim, then label it with a permanent marker as “Empty” and “Punctured”. The AMC describes more ways to safely puncture an empty cylinder here.
Don't Refill Disposables
If your cylinder contains words like “nonrefillable,” “disposable” or “single trip,” do not try to refill it. Federal law prohibits the transport of refilled disposable cylinders because the metal is stressed to its capacity with its first use, and becomes thin and likely to explode when further stressed.
Alternative Ways to Recycle
Recycle in National Parks
Yellowstone, Yosemite and Bryce Canyon National Parks all have propane cylinder recycling machines. If you are visiting one of these parks, dispose of your empty cylinder in one of their receptacles.
Ways to Reduce
Use Refillable Cylinders
Save money and reduce waste by choosing a refillable cylinder over a disposable one. They come as small as one pound and can last up to 12 years. Find a refillable cylinder with the ReFuel Your Fun campaign.
