PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Home and Garden
Housekeeping
Household Waste Disposal
How to Dispose of a Helium Tank Download Article Co-authored by wikiHow Staff
Last Updated: April 29, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Recycling Your Helium Tank
|
Reusing or Disposing of a Helium Tank
|
Video
|
Q&A
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 220,416 times. Learn more...
Helium tanks are a great way to blow up balloons from home. However, you are left with the dilemma of how to dispose of the tank. Not to worry, making the responsible choice of recycling your helium tank is a quick and easy process. Simply release the helium from the tank and remove the relief disc before taking the tank to a recycling centre. The specific recycling instructions may vary slightly depending on where you live so give your local recycling centre if you get stuck. Alternatively, return your tank to the supplier to be reused. If you are unable to recycle the tank, dispose of the tank by throwing it in the trash or taking it to a refuse centre.
Things You Should Know
Place the head of a screwdriver onto the relief disc, then tap the handle with a hammer to pierce a hole.
Remove the pierced disc, draw a circle around the hole, and write “empty” on the tank. Put the tank next to your garbage bin for disposal.
If your helium tank is reusable, return it to the store that you purchased it from.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Recycling Your Helium Tank
Download Article
1 Turn the top valve counter-clockwise. Turn the valve to the left until it can’t go any further. This will completely open the valve and release any gas that is left in the tank. Release the valve outside or open windows to avoid breathing in too much helium.[1]XResearch source
2 Push the tilt nozzle down to release the pressure from the tank. This nozzle is the lever that you push to fill the balloons with helium. You will hear a hissing sound as the nozzle goes down, this is the pressure being released from the tanks. Hold the nozzle down until the noise stops, indicating that all the pressure has been released.
If you don’t hear a hissing noise, put more downward pressure on the tilt nozzle.
Advertisement
3 Puncture the side of the relief disc. Before attempting to puncture the disc, put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from accidents. Find the relief disc on the back shoulder of the helium tank. This is often labelled to help you locate it. Place the head of a screwdriver onto the disc and use a hammer to bang on the top of the screwdriver handle. Continue hitting the screwdriver until you puncture a hole.
4 Remove the punctured relief disc. The punctured disc may be sharp so be sure to wear gloves and avoid touching the perforated edges where possible. Use your gloved hands to pry the disc off the tank.[2]XResearch source
If the disc isn’t coming out easily, try making a few more punctures in the disc.
If a section of the disc breaks off, puncture the remaining disc with the hammer and flat-head screwdriver and then remove it by hand.
5 Draw a circle around the hole and mark it as empty. Use a permanent marker to circle the hole in the tank where the relief disc was. Below the circle write that the tank is “empty”. This will indicate to the recycling centre that the tank is safe to be processed and recycled.[3]XResearch source
Use a contrasting colour to mark the tank as empty so that it can be clearly seen. For example, use a silver marker on a black tank.
6 Take the tank to a recycling centre. The recycling centre will be able to process the tank and reuse the metal. If your recycling centre won’t take the tank, contact a local metal recycler to collect the tank instead.[4]XResearch source
If you use a recycling pick-up service, place your empty helium tank in the recycling bin. Make sure that the lid can close to avoid extra charges.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Reusing or Disposing of a Helium Tank
Download Article
1 Take your helium tank back to the supplier if it is reusable. Many helium tanks can be reused. Return your helium tank to the supplier that you purchased it from. Many stores will even offer you cash rewards for tanks that are returned in good condition.[5]XResearch source
Check the instruction sheet on your tank to see if it can be reused.
If you plan to use helium again in the near future, keep the tank on hand. Most stores will be able to refill your tank if it reusable.
2 Throw it in the rubbish if it less than 5 gallons (18.9 litres). Helium tanks with smaller volumes can be safely disposed of in the trash. Turn the top valve to the left to release all the helium before you put it in the bin.[6]XResearch source
If the tank doesn’t fit in your rubbish bin, take the tank to your local refuse centre.
It is important that all the helium is released from the tank before you throw it away, as improper disposal can put the rubbish workers at risk of bodily harm.
3 Take your tank to the refuse centre if it is greater than 5 gallons (18.9 litres). Take the helium tank to the household hazardous waste department at the refuse centre. They will be able to determine whether it should be recycled or disposed of and handle the process for you. This service is generally offered free of charge.[7]XResearch source
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Are empty helium tanks dangerous? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Yes, helium tanks can be dangerous if they aren’t handled correctly, since they contain compressed gas. For this reason, it’s very important to recycle or dispose of them properly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
Question Does Party City recycle helium tanks? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer It’s not clear that Party City recycles tanks. You can call your local Party City to find out about their policy. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 12
Question How do you dispose of helium tanks from Walmart? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You will probably have to take your tanks to your local recycling center or hazardous waste disposal site. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 7
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
You Might Also Like
How toDispose of Propane TanksHow toRecycle a Fire ExtinguisherHow toFill an Air TankHow toDispose of LightersThe Safest Ways to Get Rid of Aerosol & Spray Paint CansHow toInflate a Helium BalloonHow toDispose of GasolineHow to Safely Get Rid of Empty Paint CansHow toChange a Gas BottleHow toDispose of Fluorescent TubesHow & Where to Dispose of Paint ThinnerHow toDispose of Mercury ThermometersHow toDispose of Alkaline BatteriesHow toThrow Away a Trash Can Advertisement
Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 220,416 times. 4 votes - 80% Co-authors: 4Updated: April 29, 2025 Views: 220,416 Categories: Household Waste DisposalArticle SummaryX
Once you’ve had your fun with helium, you’ll need to dispose of the tank properly. Make sure the tank’s empty by turning the top valve counter-clockwise and pressing the nozzle until there’s no hissing sound. You’ll also need to puncture and remove the relief disc at the top and write “Empty” on the tank with a marker pen. That way, workers at the facility will know it's safe to be processed and recycled. If your tank is less than 5 gallons, you can throw it in the regular trash. If it’s bigger than 5 gallons, take it back to the supplier if they recycle tanks. Alternatively, take it to a recycling or refuse center. For more tips, including how to puncture the relief disc on your helium tank, read on.Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 220,416 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer Co-authors: 4Updated: April 29, 2025 Views: 220,41680% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote
Quizzes & Games
The Impossible QuizTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizAm I a Bad Person QuizTake QuizHow Will I Die QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toDispose of Propane TanksHow toRecycle a Fire ExtinguisherHow toFill an Air TankHow toDispose of Lighters
Featured Articles
What Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)
Trending Articles
Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument
Featured Articles
A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I Quiz
Featured Articles
13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestHow toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?
Quizzes & Games
How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Do QuizTake QuizAm I Selfish QuizTake QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Home and Garden
Housekeeping
Household Waste Disposal
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by wikiHow Staff 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 220,416 times. 4 votes - 80% Co-authors: 4 Updated: April 29, 2025 Views: 220,416 Categories: Household Waste Disposal Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
491 
1 Turn the top valve counter-clockwise. Turn the valve to the left until it can’t go any further. This will completely open the valve and release any gas that is left in the tank. Release the valve outside or open windows to avoid breathing in too much helium.[1] 
2 Push the tilt nozzle down to release the pressure from the tank. This nozzle is the lever that you push to fill the balloons with helium. You will hear a hissing sound as the nozzle goes down, this is the pressure being released from the tanks. Hold the nozzle down until the noise stops, indicating that all the pressure has been released. 
3 Puncture the side of the relief disc. Before attempting to puncture the disc, put on safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from accidents. Find the relief disc on the back shoulder of the helium tank. This is often labelled to help you locate it. Place the head of a screwdriver onto the disc and use a hammer to bang on the top of the screwdriver handle. Continue hitting the screwdriver until you puncture a hole. 
4 Remove the punctured relief disc. The punctured disc may be sharp so be sure to wear gloves and avoid touching the perforated edges where possible. Use your gloved hands to pry the disc off the tank.[2] 
5 Draw a circle around the hole and mark it as empty. Use a permanent marker to circle the hole in the tank where the relief disc was. Below the circle write that the tank is “empty”. This will indicate to the recycling centre that the tank is safe to be processed and recycled.[3] 
6 Take the tank to a recycling centre. The recycling centre will be able to process the tank and reuse the metal. If your recycling centre won’t take the tank, contact a local metal recycler to collect the tank instead.[4] 
1 Take your helium tank back to the supplier if it is reusable. Many helium tanks can be reused. Return your helium tank to the supplier that you purchased it from. Many stores will even offer you cash rewards for tanks that are returned in good condition.[5] 
2 Throw it in the rubbish if it less than 5 gallons (18.9 litres). Helium tanks with smaller volumes can be safely disposed of in the trash. Turn the top valve to the left to release all the helium before you put it in the bin.[6] 
3 Take your tank to the refuse centre if it is greater than 5 gallons (18.9 litres). Take the helium tank to the household hazardous waste department at the refuse centre. They will be able to determine whether it should be recycled or disposed of and handle the process for you. This service is generally offered free of charge.[7] Advertisement 
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.