Can an empty propane cylinder be refilled or recycled?
Federal law forbids transportation of this size of cylinder (type 39 DOT cylinder) if it has been refilled, therefore refilling is not practical or recommended. With a Green Key® tool inserted in it, the vented cylinder is capable of being recycled, but most individuals will not be able to recycle it until widespread integration of the cylinders into local steel recycling programs. The potential is there: In the United States, steel cans are included in 97 percent of all curbside recycling programs and 81 percent of all drop-off programs. The Coleman Company, Inc. is in the beginning stages of inviting communities in the United States and Canada to integrate empty propane cylinders into programs for steel recycling. Coleman also is providing information to waste haulers and recycling facilities on how to divert these empty cylinders from landfill to recycling.
