Return to Vendor
Return the keg to where it was originally purchased or rented. If you didn’t purchase or rent the keg, check to see if the keg is labeled with the company name. Call the company to see if they will take the keg back.
Bring to a Liquor Store
If the keg is unlabeled and you don’t know where it came from, check with liquor stores, breweries and other beer distributors in your area to see if they will take the keg. Many will be able to return it to its original distributor.
Check if Legal to Recycle with Scrap Metal
Many states have laws prohibiting the scrapping of kegs without proof of ownership such as a clear title presented by the owner named on the keg. If you can prove ownership, you may be able to recycle it with other scrap metal. Find out what to do with scrap metal.
Mini-Kegs Are Recyclable
Steel or aluminum mini-kegs are recyclable. Make sure they are empty, then place them in your recycling. If your mini-keg is made from plastic, check the recycling triangle symbol for a number between 1 and 7 — its resin code — and follow our disposal guidelines for that type of plastic.
Ways to Reduce
Keep Your Receipts
When you buy kegs, keep track of your receipts so that they are easy to return.
Ways to Reuse
Sell or Give Away to a Homebrewer
Homebrewers are always looking for kegs. List your keg on a platform such as Nextdoor, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to find a new home for it.
Upcycle Your Keg
Metal kegs can be upcycled into many different objects. Check out these ideas from G4 Kegs or The Drinks Business to get started.
