Pressurized Cylinders
This item is banned from disposal in the trash in Vermont by state law and requires special recycling, which is separate from curbside, or blue-bin, recycling.
Disposal Options
Do not put propane tanks and other compressed gas cylinders of any size in your blue bin or trash. Pressurized cylinders, including propane tanks, fire extinguishers, helium tanks, foam insulation tanks, butane tanks, camping stove fuel canisters, tanks containing refrigerants, and carbon dioxide tanks and cartridges are accepted at the District Transfer Station for special recycling. Tanks should be empty (or close to empty) when you bring them. Call the District at (802) 388-2333 for details on recycling propane tanks larger than 20 lbs.
Some fire extinguishers can be refilled. Contact your retailer or the manufacturer to learn more about this option.
Small "Balloon Time" helium tanks can be recycled as scrap metal at the District Transfer Station once all pressure has been released (i.e., tank emptied) and the valve has been removed.
Small camping fuel tanks are accepted at the HazWaste Center for free. They do not belong in our scrap metal bin even if empty.
Refill tanks for appliances containing CFCs, regardless of whether the tank comes in attached to the appliance, will be charged the rate of an appliance with CFCs.
Tanks and cylinders of compressed gases other than those listed above are not accepted at the District Transfer Station. Such tanks (including acetylene and oxygen tanks) should be returned to the distributor (name is usually on the label).
Cost
Propane Tanks
- 1-lb (Residential): No Charge
- 1-lb (Business): $1 each
- 20-lb or larger (grill size, resident or business): $5 each
Appliances with CFCs
- Refrigerator, freezer, window A/C, water fountain, vending machine, dehumidifier: $15 each
- Commercial-Grade A/C units & outdoor residential A/C units: At cost
Fire Extinguishers
- All sizes: $5 each
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