Gas canister recycling
Gas canisters are often used in homes, gardens and businesses. While useful, they can be flammable and dangerous if not used or thrown away safely.
Putting gas canisters in household bins can cause fires and explosions. They can also harm staff. And damage bin wagons and facilities.
Gas canisters come in all shapes and sizes. When you finish with a gas canister, take it to a recycling centre. Here are some common types you may come across:
Helium
Used to fill party balloons. Shops and online stores sell them.
Butane canisters
Used for camping stoves. Supermarkets often sell them. Many people use them in summer and at festivals. People throw them away after.
Butane tanks
Used for camping stoves. They are larger and longer lasting. Regular campers and festival goers use them. Did you know? Some shops will take them back for refill.
Propane
Used for gas BBQs and patio heaters.Did you know? Some hardware stores will take them back for refill.
Nitrous Oxide
Used by the catering industry to whip cream and other food preparation. These have replaced the smaller canisters. And are often found littered in parks, roadsides and carparks due to misuse. If found while litter picking, bag it up on its own and tell the collection crew or Council.
CO2
Used for Sodastream machines, and home beer pumps etc. Did you know? Sodastream offer a takeback scheme, return your bottle for a voucher. Or visit your local Argos store for their refill service.
Others types of gas canisters
Aerosols
contain a mixture of liquid gas that is the propellant. They can cause explosions if people recycle them before they empty them. This includes smaller cans like hairspray bottles. And de-icer cans which tend to be larger.
Make sure they are empty, then put them in the recycling bin. There should be no “tsss” sound when you press the nozzle. If the can has damage or is not empty, take it to a HWRC and tell a member of staff.
Nitrous Oxide canisters
In 2023, these small canisters were banned. If you see them, bag them on their own and tell the collection crew or Council.
Safe disposal matters
Safe disposal matters. Never put gas canisters in home bins. This is very dangerous. Even small canisters can build pressure and cause fires or explosions when crushed. They can harm staff and damage bin wagons and waste sites. This can delay waste collections and be costly to fix.