How to Dispose of a Helium Tank

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Helium tanks are a great way to blow up balloons from home. However, you are left with the dilemma of how to dispose of the tank. Not to worry, making the responsible choice of recycling your helium tank is a quick and easy process. Simply release the helium from the tank and remove the relief disc before taking the tank to a recycling centre. The specific recycling instructions may vary slightly depending on where you live so give your local recycling centre if you get stuck. Alternatively, return your tank to the supplier to be reused. If you are unable to recycle the tank, dispose of the tank by throwing it in the trash or taking it to a refuse centre.

Things You Should Know

  • Place the head of a screwdriver onto the relief disc, then tap the handle with a hammer to pierce a hole.
  • Remove the pierced disc, draw a circle around the hole, and write “empty” on the tank. Put the tank next to your garbage bin for disposal.
  • If your helium tank is reusable, return it to the store that you purchased it from.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Recycling Your Helium Tank

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  1. Turn the valve to the left until it can’t go any further. This will completely open the valve and release any gas that is left in the tank. Release the valve outside or open windows to avoid breathing in too much helium. [1]
  2. This nozzle is the lever that you push to fill the balloons with helium. You will hear a hissing sound as the nozzle goes down, this is the pressure being released from the tanks. Hold the nozzle down until the noise stops, indicating that all the pressure has been released. [2]
    • If you don’t hear a hissing noise, put more downward pressure on the tilt nozzle.
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  3. Before attempting to puncture the disc, put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from accidents. Find the relief disc on the back shoulder of the helium tank. This is often labelled to help you locate it. Place the head of a screwdriver onto the disc and use a hammer to bang on the top of the screwdriver handle. Continue hitting the screwdriver until you puncture a hole. [3]
  4. The punctured disc may be sharp so be sure to wear gloves and avoid touching the perforated edges where possible. Use your gloved hands to pry the disc off the tank. [4]
    • If the disc isn’t coming out easily, try making a few more punctures in the disc.
    • If a section of the disc breaks off, puncture the remaining disc with the hammer and flat-head screwdriver and then remove it by hand.
  5. Use a permanent marker to circle the hole in the tank where the relief disc was. Below the circle write that the tank is “empty”. This will indicate to the recycling centre that the tank is safe to be processed and recycled. [5]
    • Use a contrasting colour to mark the tank as empty so that it can be clearly seen. For example, use a silver marker on a black tank.
  6. The recycling centre will be able to process the tank and reuse the metal. If your recycling centre won’t take the tank, contact a local metal recycler to collect the tank instead. [6]
    • If you use a recycling pick-up service, place your empty helium tank in the recycling bin. Make sure that the lid can close to avoid extra charges.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Reusing or Disposing of a Helium Tank

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  1. Many helium tanks can be reused. Return your helium tank to the supplier that you purchased it from. Many stores will even offer you cash rewards for tanks that are returned in good condition. [7]
    • Check the instruction sheet on your tank to see if it can be reused.
    • If you plan to use helium again in the near future, keep the tank on hand. Most stores will be able to refill your tank if it reusable.
  2. Helium tanks with smaller volumes can be safely disposed of in the trash. Turn the top valve to the left to release all the helium before you put it in the bin. [8]
    • If the tank doesn’t fit in your rubbish bin, take the tank to your local refuse centre.
    • It is important that all the helium is released from the tank before you throw it away, as improper disposal can put the rubbish workers at risk of bodily harm.
  3. Take the helium tank to the household hazardous waste department at the refuse centre. They will be able to determine whether it should be recycled or disposed of and handle the process for you. This service is generally offered free of charge. [9]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Are empty helium tanks dangerous?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, helium tanks can be dangerous if they aren’t handled correctly, since they contain compressed gas. For this reason, it’s very important to recycle or dispose of them properly.
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  • Question
    Does Party City recycle helium tanks?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    It’s not clear that Party City recycles tanks. You can call your local Party City to find out about their policy.
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  • Question
    How do you dispose of helium tanks from Walmart?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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    You will probably have to take your tanks to your local recycling center or hazardous waste disposal site.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bcua.org/vertical/Sites/%7BF76805AC-71CD-427F-AD9B-9E08876F224A%7D/uploads/HeliumTankDisposal.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/landandparks/recycling/household/helium-tank-disposal/
      3. ↑ https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/landandparks/recycling/household/helium-tank-disposal/
      4. ↑ https://www.livingstonnj.org/310/How-to-Empty-Recycle-Helium-Tanks
      5. ↑ https://www.livingstonnj.org/310/How-to-Empty-Recycle-Helium-Tanks
      6. ↑ https://www.livingstonnj.org/310/How-to-Empty-Recycle-Helium-Tanks
      7. ↑ https://library.austintexas.libguides.com/recycling#!rc-cpage=44858
      8. ↑ https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/waste-services/garbage-recycling-compost/solid-waste-facilities/disposal-restrictions
      9. ↑ https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/recycling.html#!rc-cpage=574653

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Once you’ve had your fun with helium, you’ll need to dispose of the tank properly. Make sure the tank’s empty by turning the top valve counter-clockwise and pressing the nozzle until there’s no hissing sound. You’ll also need to puncture and remove the relief disc at the top and write “Empty” on the tank with a marker pen. That way, workers at the facility will know it's safe to be processed and recycled. If your tank is less than 5 gallons, you can throw it in the regular trash. If it’s bigger than 5 gallons, take it back to the supplier if they recycle tanks. Alternatively, take it to a recycling or refuse center. For more tips, including how to puncture the relief disc on your helium tank, read on.

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