It is important that household gas canisters and cylinders are disposed of correctly. Failure to do so can cause damage to our kerbside waste system, and even injury to those who work in it.
Gas use in our homes
While LPG and natural gas may be on the way out for powering
heating and cooking systems in many homes, the use of some other types of
gas is gaining popularity.
Portable gas cylinders and canisters allow us to make our
own carbonated drinks, flambe MasterChef style creations, and even put out
kitchen fires when they don’t go according to plan.
Once the contents of these cylinders and canisters have been
used up, or are simply no longer needed, it is important they are correctly disposed
of. Large gas cylinders, such as those used for BBQ gas, can damage collection
trucks and recycling machinery if placed in household kerbside bins. Smaller cylinders, like those used
for carbonated drinks or camping stoves, can explode if crushed by the truck compacting mechanism, or damaged by sorting machinery at our recycling centres.
How to dispose of your unwanted gas cylinders and canisters:
- BBQ gas bottles cannot be placed in any kerbside bin. Bottles up to 9kg can be dropped off at the Geelong
or Drysdale Resource Recovery Centres for free.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) canisters for home drink carbonation systems
such as Soda Stream cannot be placed in any kerbside bin. These canisters are designed
to be reused and many companies offer a discount on your replacement product or
cash refund for their return to participating stores. If you are unable to
return to a participating store, small quantities can also be disposed of for
free at Detox Your Home events. These events are run by
Sustainability Victoria. They take part on a regular basis across Victoria
and accept a wide range of hazardous household chemicals.
- Butane gas canisters used for camping cannot be placed in
any kerbside bin. They can be disposed of for free at Detox Your Home
events.
- Home fire extinguishers can be dropped off at the Geelong or
Drysdale Resource Recovery Centres. Fees apply if you are dropping off three or
more, otherwise drop off is free.
- Nitrous oxide gas canisters cannot be placed in any kerbside bin. They must be disposed of using commercial chemical disposal services.
The one exception
Unlike the products listed above, small nitrous oxide
(NO2) cream chargers, designed to hold 8-9gms of NO2, can be placed in your yellow lid kerbside recycling bin once empty.