Gas bottles and pressurised containers

Gas bottles and pressurised containers Never bin your gas bottles or pressurised containers in any bin or general waste bins at waste facilities.

Even when they appear empty, these items still contain compressed gas or residual fumes. Because of this, they pose an explosion risk and require special handling. Even non-flammable gases in pressurised containers, such as party balloon cylinders, can rupture violently if damaged or heated, releasing gas and debris at high speed.

Fires or explosions in waste trucks or facilities can put workers, residents and collection equipment at serious risk. In some cases, trucks may need to dump burning loads on roadsides to prevent further damage.

Gas bottles and pressurised containers are common household items. These include:

LPG gas bottles (e.g. barbecue cylinders)
Camping gas canisters
Fire extinguishers
Party balloon cylinders
Nitrous oxide "cake decorating" cylinders
Gel blasting canisters
SodaStream (or similar) cylinders
Any other container that holds gas under pressure

Gas bottles and pressurised cylinders must be disposed of correctly so they can be safely managed and, in some cases, recycled.

Safe disposal guidelines

Follow the safe disposal guidelines below for gas bottles and pressurised containers.

Item	Safe disposal
Aerosol can (empty)	Ensure these are empty and place them in your yellow-lid recycling bin.
LPG gas bottles (e.g. barbecue cylinders) up to 9 kilograms	Refillable gas bottles can often be returned to an exchange provider (e.g. Swap and Go). Alternatively, ensure they are empty and place them in gas bottle collection cages at any Council waste and recycling facility.
Camping butane or propane gas canisters	Ensure these are empty and place them in general waste bins at Council waste and recycling facilities. Canisters containing gas can be taken to a Household chemical drop-off day.
Fire extinguishers	Household fire extinguishers can be taken to a Council waste and recycling facility during a Household chemical drop-off day.
Party balloon cylinders (helium)	Ensure these are empty and place them in gas bottle collection cages at any Council waste and recycling facility.
Nitrous oxide "cake decorating" cylinders	Ensure these are empty and take them to a Council waste and recycling facility. Ask site staff where they should be deposited.
Gel blasting canisters	Ensure these are empty and place them in general waste bins at Council waste and recycling facilities. Canisters containing gas can be taken to a Household chemical drop-off day.
SodaStream bottles	Return them to the retailer where they were purchased.
Other containers that hold gas under pressure	Some small gas canisters and cylinders from residential sources can be taken to Council waste and recycling facilities during Household chemical drop-off day. If you're unsure, contact Council on 3412 3412.