Disposing of gas canisters safely

Gas canisters such as those filled with butane, propane and helium can cause big problems if placed in your kerbside recycling or general waste bin. These canisters can lead to explosions if they are damaged in waste containers, collections vehicles or processing facilities. Recently, this has become an increasing issue nationally, following an explosion at a Materials Recovery Facility in Wakefield. You can take a closer look by following this link to see how it happened at the site.

To make sure everyone is kept safe, please make sure to dispose of your gas canisters correctly. Please note, we can accept household aerosols such as a deodorant or hairspray cans in your kerbside recycling, however, what we can’t accept are those bottles containing harmful contents. Please see the Leicestershire County Council website for more information.

Below, you will find a bit more information which will help when deciding where to dispose of any gas canisters you may have empty in your home.

Where can I dispose of a gas canister/bottle?

• Branded caravan or boat type cylinders (e.g. Calor Gas) – legal ownership remains with the gas company who issued them and so they should be returned to this company where at all possible Visit Liquid Gas UK for disposal information.
• Unbranded caravan or boat type cylinders – If you have a cylinder with no markings to identify its legal owner, these can be taken to some of our recycling and household waste sites. Please see the Leicestershire County Council website for more information.
• Commercial gas cylinders – We do not accept cylinders containing commercial type gases such as those used for welding. Return to supplier.
• Medical gas cylinders – Any cylinders containing oxygen should be returned to the medical facility in which they were issued.
• Fire extinguishers – visit the A-Z list for fire extinguishers.
• Camping gas stove cylinder – Please attach the cylinder to the stove and burn off any residual contents before disposal. These can be taken to some of our recycling and household waste sites. Please see the Leicestershire County Council website for more information.
• Party balloon inflation cylinders – These can be taken to some of our recycling and household waste sites. Please see the Leicestershire County Council website for more information
• BBQ/Patio heater gas bottles and cylinders – Return them to the manufacturer or the retailer where you bought them. Many retailers and suppliers will allow you to return your gas bottle for a replacement, once used. For advice about Calor Gas bottles, visit the their refill, exchange and return page. For gas cylinders other than Calor Gas, read the advice on the Liquid Gas UK website. Alternatively, check to see if your local Recycling and Household Waste Site can accept them.