Do not place helium or oxygen tanks in your curbside recycling. And, putting them in the trash is hazardous.
Empty helium balloon tanks that were purchased from a retail store should be punctured and recycled at a local scrap metal yard. You may receive a rebate. Follow the disposal instructions that came with the tank or
see these instructions from Balloon Time.
Helium tanks are not accepted in the household hazardous waste disposal program.
Medical cylinders should be disposed or recycled through the company it was purchased or received from. Check with your medical supplier for details about their takeback or exchange program. They will accept oxygen tanks that were purchased from them.
SCUBA tanks should be returned to the dive shop, tank supplier or place of purchase.
Find a scrap metal yard by searching with your zip code at www.yellowpages.com or contact AAA Gas Supply (216.228.4800), ABC Fire (440.237.6677) and Air Gas Great Lakes (216.241.1696) for recycling options.
Businesses can recycle helium and oxygen tanks through specialized companies or a scrap metal yard. They can also choose a licensed environmental services company for proper disposal. See our Business Recycling Directory.