Waste Directory ("Yellow Book")

Compressed gases may be flammable, reactive, corrosive and/or toxic and may designate as hazardous waste or acutely hazardous waste, depending on the gas involved. For information about the gas you have, call the Business Waste Line at (206) 263-8899.

Empty Cylinders: A compressed gas cylinder is considered 'empty' if "the pressure inside the cylinder equals or nearly equals atmospheric pressure" (Chapter 173-303 WAC). (Different rules apply to a cylinder that held extremely hazardous material or certain pesticides.) The best option is to return the empty cylinder to the supplier to reuse. Otherwise, recycle the cylinder.

• Focus Environmental Management
  Salem, OR
  360-556-3805

• CHS/Auburn
  Auburn, WA
  253-351-6855

Finally, you can dispose of an empty small cylinder in the garbage if your business is located in King County and:

• it didn't contain a product that was extremely hazardous
• it didn't contain pesticides with a "danger" or "warning" label
• your cylinder held less than five gallons (such as the small Coleman camping canisters)
• the nozzle/valve is removed.

If your cylinder contained material that may be extremely hazardous, call the Business Waste Line at (206) 263-8899 for help.

Partially Full Cylinders: Most partially full tanks must be handled as hazardous waste. See Hazardous Waste Disposal.