Connecticut has a new program for gas cylinder recycling.
How do I get rid of a small gas cylinder?
Small gas cylinders absolutely should not be placed in the trash or in curbside recycling! A new program started in October 1, 2025, providing CT residents opportunities to drop-off their used gas cylinders at different program collection sites throughout the state.
Cities and towns can take advantage of a new extended producer responsibility (EPR) law offering free and convenient recycling of covered gas cylinders at municipal transfer stations.
If your town participates, residents can bring small cylinders right to their transfer station for proper disposal at no charge to residents or your town. Residents no longer must wait for a household hazardous waste collection.
What to do if you have a small gas cylinder to dispose of:
· Never throw cylinders in the trash or the recycling cart.
· Never attempt to puncture a cylinder yourself; it is dangerous and can hurt you and others.
· Check with your town’s Household Hazardous Waste collection program. It is not as convenient as our program, but HHW collection programs usually collect gas cylinders as well.
Gas Cylinders are one of several extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs mandated in Connecticut. EPR systems are created by law and require product producers to share responsibility for the end-of-life management of their product and packaging. The EPR programs focus on the development of accessible disposal options for CT residents. Learn more about EPR programs in CT here: Extended Producer Responsibility and Product Stewardship.
Reduce – Reuse – Recycle
Reuse: Refillable Camping Cylinders
If you’re looking for an alternative to a single-use 1 lb. propane cylinder, residents can opt for a refillable one. Little Kamper offers an exchange system where you purchase a 1 lb. refillable cylinder and exchange it when it is empty. Currently there is one location in CT, ACE Hardware in Litchfield, that sells these cylinders and takes them back for exchange.
Recycle: Small Gas Cylinders (Under 20 lbs)
The Cylinder Collective (TCC) program collects and processes residentially generated smaller gas cylinders including small propane cylinders (under 20 lbs.), butane/isobutane cylinders, MAPP cylinders and consumer helium tanks at no charge. Learn more about how to recycle these gas cylinders here: Cylinder Recycling Process & How To Recycle.
Reuse & Recycle: Soda Stream
Soda Stream is a countertop machine that converts ordinary tap water into sparkling water using a reusable cylinder that is pressurized. The cylinder can carbonate up to 60 liters of water, at which point, it reaches its end of life. The Soda Stream company offers a mail back exchange system for their cylinders. More information about this program can be found here: SodaStream Recycling Program.
Reuse & Recycle: 20-pound propane tanks
The Connecticut EPR law also includes 20 lb. propane tanks from grills. Grill tanks can be refilled, but at some point, these containers also reach its end of life and can be recycled. This program is coordinated by the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE). More information about PGANE can be found here: Propane Tank Recycling And Disposal.
Full details of the Gas Cylinder EPR law and stewardship plans available on the DEEP website.