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 Pressurized Gas Tanks | ||
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|    Do not place gas cylinders such as propane tanks or fire extinguishers in your trash or recycling container. These items can explode in Department of Sanitation compactor trucks and cause serious injury or damage to Sanitation workers and equipment. Even if you believe the tank is empty, it may still contain vapors that make it an explosion hazard. Gas tanks can be taken to upcoming NYC Department of Sanitation SAFE disposal events.
ALSO SEE: The Department of Sanitation will not pickup propane tanks because they are pressurized and may explode when compressed in a truck. Visit the NYC Fire Department's barbecue safety page Do not store tanks in your home or near flames and sources of heat. Exchange your empty propane tank for a full tank at any local propane Scrap metal dealers may also be equipped to handle these materials. Search the phone book or internet for "Scrap Metals." Disposable Helium Balloon Tanks The Department of Sanitation will not pickup helium tanks with valves in place because they are pressurized and may explode when compressed in a truck. To dispose of portable helium balloon tanks, empty the tank, remove the valve from the container, and place it for recycling with your metal, glass, plastic, and cartons. Check instructions for removing the valve Scrap metal dealers may also be equipped to handle these materials. Search the phone book or internet for "Scrap Metals." The Department of Sanitation will not pickup fire extinguishers unless the head is removed because they are pressurized and may explode when compressed in a truck. The two most common types include dry chemical (sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate) and carbon dioxide (CO2) both of which are not hazardous.
To safely dispose of dry chemical extinguishers, it is necessary to relieve the pressure, remove the head, and place it for recycling with your metal, glass, plastic, and cartons. When relieving the pressure (emptying the container) for disposal, review manufacturers' instructions, or, if unavailable, use the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) PASS technique
After pressure has been relieved, (when nothing else comes out) remove the head from the fire extinguisher and place it for recycling with your metal, glass, plastic, and cartons. DO NOT place the fire extinguisher in your recycling bin without removing the head. You can also contact a local fire extinguisher retailer to request that they dispose of your extinguisher. Visit the NYC Fire Department's FAQs about fire extinguishers Carbon dioxide extinguishers are refillable and should be refilled after each use. Contact a local fire extinguisher retailer to request that they refill or dispose of your extinguisher. Visit the NYC Fire Department's FAQs about fire extinguishers To safely dispose of carbon dioxide extinguishers, it is necessary to relieve the pressure, drill holes in the cylinder, and place it in your trash. When relieving the pressure (emptying the container) for disposal, review manufacturers' instructions, or, if unavailable, use the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) PASS technique
It is important to empty the contents, outside, away from children or pets because Monoammonium phosphate (contained within) is an irritant to eyes and the respiratory tract. Wear goggles and a particulate mask when discharging the extinguisher. Fire extinguishers that are not dry chemical or carbon dioxide must be disposed of by a qualified vendor. Do not attempt to relieve the pressure and remove the head as very old fire extinguishers may contain carbon tetrachloride, a known carcinogen. Contact a local fire extinguisher retailer to request that they dispose of your extinguisher. Visit the NYC Fire Department's FAQs about fire extinguishers Other Pressurized Gas Cylinders The Department of Sanitation will not pickup pressurized gas cylinders because they are pressurized and may explode when compressed in a truck. Exchange your old pressurized gas cylinder (such as acetylene or oxygen) when purchasing a new cylinder. If the retailer refuses to accept your old pressurized gas cylinder or you are not purchasing a new one, contact another dealer about correctly disposing your cylinder. Search the phone book or internet for “welding equipment and supplies.” Call ahead to ensure that the dealers you find are willing to accept your cylinder; there may be a small fee associated. Scrap metal dealers may also be equipped to handle these materials. Search the phone book or internet for "Scrap Metals." |  |
for more information on the use of propane tanks. |
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