PRESSURIZED GAS TANKS

barbecue propane tanks
disposable helium tanks
fire extinguishers
other gas cylinders

BARBECUE PROPANE TANKS

The Department of Sanitation will not pickup propane tanks because they are pressurized and may explode when compressed in a truck.

Visit the NYC Fire Department's Barbecue Safety page for more information on the use of propane tanks.

Exchange your old propane tank when purchasing a new tank.

If the retailer refuses to accept your old tank or you are not purchasing a new one, contact another propane dealer about correctly disposing your tank. Search the phone book or internet for “Barbecue Equipment & Supplies Retail” or “Propane and Natural Gas.” Propane dealers are more equipped to handle many types of propane tanks, as opposed to hardware stores who can only handle standard propane tanks. Call ahead to ensure that the dealers you find are willing to accept your tank; there may be a small fee associated.

Scrap metal dealers may also be equipped to handle these materials. Search the phone book or internet for "Scrap Metals."

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DISPOSABLE HELIUM BALLOON TANKS

The Department of Sanitation will not pickup helium tanks with valves in place because they are pressurized and may explode when compressed in a truck.

To dispose of portable helium balloon tanks, empty the tank, remove the valve from the container, and place it with your metal recycling. Check instructions for removing the valve. DO NOT place the tank in your recycling bin without removing the valve.

Scrap metal dealers may also be equipped to handle these materials. Search the phone book or internet for "Scrap Metals."

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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

The Department of Sanitation will not pickup fire extinguishers unless the head is removed because they are pressurized and may explode when compressed in a truck.

Safe Disposal

The two most common types include dry chemical (sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate) and carbon dioxide (CO2) both of which are not hazardous.

dry chemical extinguishers
carbon dioxide extinguishers
other extinguishers  

dry chemical extinguishers

To safely dispose of dry chemical extinguishers, it is necessary to relieve the pressure, remove the head, and place it with your metal recycling.

When relieving the pressure (emptying the container) for disposal, review manufacturers' instructions, or, if unavailable, use the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) PASS technique described below:

Pull the pin: this unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other seals or tamper indicators.

Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the item.

Squeeze the lever above the handle: this discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)

Sweep from side to side. 

After pressure has been relieved, (when nothing else comes out) remove the head from the fire extinguisher and place it with your metal recycling. DO NOT place the fire extinguisher in your recycling bin without removing the head.

You can also contact a local fire extinguisher retailer to request that they dispose of your extinguisher. Visit the NYC Fire Department's FAQs about fire extinguishers to find a list of fire extinguisher vendors.

carbon dioxide extinguishers

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are refillable and should be refilled after each use. Contact a local fire extinguisher retailer to request that they refill or dispose of your extinguisher. Visit the NYC Fire Department's FAQs about fire extinguishers to find a list of fire extinguisher vendors.

To safely dispose of carbon dioxide extinguishers, it is necessary to relieve the pressure, drill holes in the cylinder, and place it in your trash.

When relieving the pressure (emptying the container) for disposal, review manufacturers' instructions, or, if unavailable, use the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) PASS technique described below:

Pull the pin: this unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other seals or tamper indicators.

Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the item.

Squeeze the lever above the handle: this discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever.)

Sweep from side to side.  

It is important to empty the contents, outside, away from children or pets because Monoammonium phosphate (contained within) is an irritant to eyes and the respiratory tract. Wear goggles and a particulate mask when discharging the extinguisher.

other fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers that are not dry chemical or carbon dioxide must be disposed of by a qualified vendor.

Do not attempt to relieve the pressure and remove the head as very old fire extinguishers may contain carbon tetrachloride, a known carcinogen.

Contact a local fire extinguisher retailer to request that they dispose of your extinguisher. Visit the NYC Fire Department's FAQs about fire extinguishers to find a list of fire extinguisher vendors.

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OTHER PRESSURIZED GAS CYLINDERS

The Department of Sanitation will not pickup pressurized gas cylinders because they are pressurized and may explode when compressed in a truck.

Exchange your old pressurized gas cylinder (such as acetylene or oxygen) when purchasing a new cylinder.

If the retailer refuses to accept your old pressurized gas cylinder or you are not purchasing a new one, contact another dealer about correctly disposing your cylinder. Search the phone book or internet for “welding equipment and supplies.” Call ahead to ensure that the dealers you find are willing to accept your cylinder; there may be a small fee associated.

Scrap metal dealers may also be equipped to handle these materials. Search the phone book or internet for "Scrap Metals."

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