Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) process large volumes of recyclable materials every day. Unfortunately, unwanted compressed gas cylinders and propane tanks can enter these facilities alongside ordinary recyclables.

These containers create challenges for operators because they may contain residual gas, remain under pressure or have unidentified contents. As a result, gas cylinder disposal for MRFs needs its own process.

Cylinder Recyclers provides specialized gas cylinder disposal and recycling services for MRFs, recycling centers and waste management companies nationwide.

Why are compressed gas cylinders a problem for MRFs?

Compressed gas cylinders are not ordinary scrap metal. Even when a cylinder looks empty, residual pressure or gas may remain inside. So if a pressurized cylinder enters a baler, compactor, shredder or other processing equipment, it can create serious safety hazards.

Common cylinder-related concerns include:

• Fire and explosion hazards associated with pressurized or flammable gases.
• Equipment damage to recycling and processing equipment.
• Employee safety risks during sorting, handling and storage.
• Accumulation of unwanted cylinders with no established disposal outlet.
• Unknown contents that make it hard to choose the right recycling process.

For this reason, a dependable cylinder removal program is the foundation of safe gas cylinder disposal for MRFs. In addition, it keeps these materials from becoming a recurring operational problem.

What types of cylinders show up at recycling facilities?

MRFs and recycling facilities may encounter a variety of compressed gas containers, including:

• Small propane cylinders and camping fuel containers
• Larger propane tanks
• Helium cylinders
• Carbon dioxide cylinders
• Oxygen cylinders
• Other industrial and specialty gas cylinders

However, acceptance depends on the cylinder type, condition, contents and applicable handling requirements. For a related look at cylinders in metal streams, see What Scrap Yards Should Do When Gas Cylinders Appear in Scrap.

Where can MRFs send unwanted gas cylinders for recycling?

MRFs can send approved cylinders to our dedicated gas cylinder processing facility in Georgetown, Ohio. There, we work with recycling facilities to evaluate accumulated cylinder inventories, coordinate approved shipments and provide specialized processing and recycling services.

Our services may include cylinder inventory review, transportation coordination, devalving, processing and recycling. In addition, onsite assistance may be available for larger or more complex projects.

How does the gas cylinder disposal process work for MRFs?

Gas cylinder disposal for MRFs follows five clear steps:

1. 1
   Inventory review. Send our team an inventory, estimated cylinder quantities, photographs and any available information about the contents and condition of the cylinders.
2. 2
   Project review and transportation. Next, we review the proposed shipment. Then we scope the project and provide pricing based on the types and quantities of cylinders, handling requirements and transportation needs.
3. 3
   Shipment to our processing facility. After approval, cylinders are packaged and transported under the applicable shipping requirements to our Georgetown, Ohio facility.
4. 4
   Processing and recycling. Accepted cylinders then go through the appropriate processing procedures. Where suitable, processed cylinder materials are directed into recycling streams.
5. 5
   Final documentation. Finally, we provide signed Bills of Lading and Certificates of Recycling for applicable completed services.

Should MRFs set up a recurring cylinder disposal program?

Yes, in most cases. For recycling facilities, unwanted cylinders are rarely a one-time occurrence. Instead, more propane tanks and compressed gas cylinders turn up as additional material enters the facility.

So rather than waiting until a large inventory builds up, facilities can set up an ongoing relationship with Cylinder Recyclers for future cylinder shipments. We then work with your team to build a repeatable process for inventory review, transportation and recycling documentation. For example, the same approach supports TSDFs and environmental service companies that handle cylinders from many customer sites.

What to have ready for the qualification form

• ☐ Estimated cylinder quantities and sizes
• ☐ Cylinder types (propane, helium, carbon dioxide, oxygen or other)
• ☐ Known contents, plus the number of unidentified cylinders
• ☐ Condition notes (damaged, corroded or missing valves)
• ☐ Photos of the cylinders, labels and markings
• ☐ Facility location, and whether this is a one-time or recurring need

Frequently asked questions

Can MRFs recycle propane tanks with regular scrap metal?

No. Pressurized or potentially pressurized propane tanks should not be placed directly into ordinary shredding, baling or compaction processes. Instead, specialized handling and verification may be necessary before recycling.

What should a recycling facility do with unwanted gas cylinders?

First, keep unidentified or potentially pressurized cylinders out of mechanical recycling equipment. Then arrange for qualified personnel to evaluate the cylinders and determine an appropriate return, reuse or disposal option.

Does Cylinder Recyclers accept propane cylinders?

We evaluate propane cylinder projects based on cylinder size, condition, contents and project requirements. To start, submit your inventory through our qualification form for an acceptance review.

Can Cylinder Recyclers coordinate transportation?

Yes. Transportation can be included in the project scope for approved cylinder shipments.

Do you provide recycling documentation?

Yes. We provide signed Bills of Lading and Certificates of Recycling for applicable completed processing and recycling services.

For more detail on markings, unknown contents and documentation, see our compressed gas cylinder disposal FAQ.