Helium tanks are a great way to blow up balloons.The dilemma of how to dispose of the tank is left to you.It is easy to make the responsible choice of recycling your tank.Remove the relief disc from the tank and take it to a recycling centre.If you get stuck, give your local recycling centre the specific recycling instructions.Return your tank to the supplier.Throw the tank in the trash or take it to a refuse centre if you can't recycle it.
Step 1: The valve should be turned counter-clockwise.
If the valve can't go any further, turn it to the left.This will open the valve and let gas out of the tank.If you want to avoid breathing in too much helium, open the windows or release the valve outside.
Step 2: The pressure from the tank can be released by pushing the tilt nozzle down.
The lever that you push to fill the balloons is the nozzle.As the nozzle goes down, you will hear a hissing sound, this is the pressure being released from the tanks.Hold the nozzle down until the noise stops.Put more downward pressure on the tilt nozzle if you don't hear a hissing noise.
Step 3: Remove the side of the disc.
Safety glasses and gloves are required before attempting to puncture a disc.There is a relief disc on the back of the tank.This is often labeled to help you find it.To bang on the top of the screwdriver handle, place the head of a screwdriver onto the disc and use a hammer.Hit the screwdriver until you puncture the hole.
Step 4: The relief disc has a puncture.
Wear gloves and avoid touching the edges of the punctured disc because it may be sharp.You can pry the disc off the tank with your hands.Make a few more punctures in the disc if it isn't coming out easily.If a section of the disc breaks off, use a hammer and screwdriver to puncture the remaining disc and then remove it by hand.
Step 5: You can mark the hole as empty by drawing a circle around it.
To circle the hole in the tank, use a permanent marker.The tank is empty below the circle.This will show the recycling centre that the tank is safe to recycle.The tank can be clearly seen if it is marked with a contrasting colour.A silver marker can be used on a black tank.
Step 6: The tank should be taken to a recycling centre.
The recycling centre will be able to process the metal.If the recycling centre won't take the tank, you can contact a local metal recycler.Place your empty tank in the recycle bin if you use a recycling pick-up service.Extra charges can be avoided if the lid closes.
Step 7: If the tank is reuseable, take it back to the supplier.
Many tanks can be used again.Return the tank to the supplier you bought it from.Many stores will give you cash rewards for tanks that are returned in good condition.You should check the instruction sheet on your tank to see if it can be used again.You should keep the tank on hand if you plan to use it again.If you reuse your tank, most stores will refill it.
Step 8: If it's less than 5 gallons, throw it away.
It is possible to safely dispose of helium tanks with smaller volumes in the trash.Before you put it in the bin, turn the top valve to the left.Take the tank to the refuse centre if it doesn't fit in the bin.It's important to release all the helium from the tank before throwing it away, as improper disposal can put the workers at risk of bodily harm.
Step 9: If your tank is greater than 5 gallons, take it to the refuse centre.
The refuse centre has a household hazardous waste department.They will be able to tell you if it should be recycled or thrown away.The service is usually free.