Helium Tanks Alternative ways to recycle Illegal in Garbage & Drains Hazardous Waste Drop-Off AVOID SINGLE USE TANKS –where possible OPT FOR NON-HELIUM OR REFILLABLE HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW) DROP OFFHelium tanks are hazardous because they are pressurized and need special handling to avoid toxic exposure for waste workers, the community, and the environment. Even if the helium tank seems empty, it could still contain residual amounts of helium. LEAVE TANK DISMANTLING TO THE EXPERTS Regardless if the single use tank company has instructions on how to safely dismantle the tank and render it empty, you must ALWAYS drop the tank off at a Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW), NOT the Burbank Recycle Center. Just seeing a tank in the disposal collection is an alarming item for workers and drivers (trash and recycling) because they don’t know what has been properly dismantled and emptied and what hasn’t. Leave the tank handling to the experts and drop off at an HHW collection program. Click on the red band to learn where to drop off. SCRAP METAL RECYCLING Scrap metal businesses may accept tanks– contact them directly for information and tank prep instructions. NOTE: Mylar balloons filled with helium are prohibited in Burbank Never Dispose of Curbside If you are unsure if your helium tank is empty, do not dispose of it at the curb. Dispose of it as hazardous waste instead. Inside a helium tank may be pressurized gas that can explode if the tank is crushed or punctured in a garbage truck or recycling facility. Keep Away From Heat Since a helium tank is pressurized, it may explode if heated, so keep it away from heat and out of direct sunlight in a well-ventilated area. Do Not Breathe the Gas Breathing in helium can prevent your body from receiving oxygen, causing quick suffocation. Recycle With Scrap Metal Some scrap metal recyclers accept empty helium tanks. Find out how to dispose of scrap metal. Follow Balloon Time’s instructions to prepare Balloon Time tanks for scrap metal recycling. Alternative Ways to Recycle Check at the Store Ask the store where you bought the helium tank to see if they have any take-back programs for empty tanks. Ways to Reduce Buy Helium Balloons at the Store Most party stores have refillable helium tanks onsite to fill party balloons. Skip the hassle of filling your own balloons and have them filled for you at the store. Rent a Reusable Helium Tank If you’re planning on filling a lot of balloons, it’s cheaper and more convenient to rent a reusable helium tank. It also reduces waste when compared to buying a disposable one. Ways to Reuse Helium Tank Decor Empty helium tanks are durable and easy to paint and repurpose into home and lawn decor. Check out this Pinterest board for ideas. Did You Know? How Helium Was Discovered Despite the fact that helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, it wasn’t discovered until late 19th century when a French astronomer saw a bright yellow line around the sun during a solar eclipse. Read more from Phys.org.
