How To Properly Dispose LPG Gas Bottles
One can always use an LPG bottle, whether cooking, lighting, or heating. After all, it's been Australia’s source of clean, efficient, and cost-effective energy for decades. But have you ever wondered what happens to the gas bottles once you've run out of LPG?
LPG Use in Australia
LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Although it describes a mixture of three to four types of volatile hydrocarbons, LPG gas mainly comprises propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10). Typically, the LPG gas bottles we find at Australian homes are 100% propane or 100% butane. But there are also states, like Western Australia, with a 50/50 mix of the two hydrocarbons.
It’s usually sold in cylinders for easy storage and transport, so it’s like having an energy source with high calorific value in your hands. Convenient, right? But this is also why you can't simply dispose of LPG gas bottles in your regular bins. It all boils down to how it's made and stored.
As its name suggests, the gases inside an LPG gas bottle have been liquefied using moderate amounts of pressure and stored in steel tanks. However, manufacturers only fill these cylindrical tanks with 80 to 85% of their capacity, allowing the liquefied gas to thermally expand without exploding.
This liquefied gas would readily vaporise upon release. Therefore, even if your LPG gas bottles appear empty after some time, there could still be residual gas left inside, so it’s best to dispose of it properly in recycling centres and its manufacturers or risk the following dangers of exposure to LPG:
- Fire and Explosion- LPG at just 2% concentration can ignite in the air.
- Asphyxiation- At high concentrations, LPG displaces air, limiting oxygen supply and causing difficulty in breathing.
- Mild toxicity- Although propane is non-toxic, the same cannot be said for the butane component of LPG.
- Settlement in low spots - Since LPG is heavier than air, it settles in low areas like basements instead of dissipating.
What Happens to Recycled LPG Gas Bottles?
Besides keeping you safe from potential gas exposure and freeing up landfills, recycling LPG gas bottles also saves lots of resources, from the gas inside up to the cylindrical containers. But what exactly happens once you drop off the bottles in recycling centres?
- Residual gases are captured for reuse.
- Used gas bottles in good condition are subjected to retesting and restamping for their reintroduction to the market.
- Damaged bottles are recycled as scrap metals.
With these dangers, we’re sure you won’t want to recklessly discard LPG gas bottles anymore. That said, here are some ways you can recycle and properly dispose of them.
1. Community Recycling Centres (CRC) and Household Chemical CleanOut Events
You can properly discard LPG gas bottles through your local CRCs and Household Chemical Cleanout Events. Currently, there are over 90 CRCs in NSW where you can drop off wastes, like LPG gas bottles, that kerbside collections won’t accept. These CRCs are free of charge and are usually open to all residents. But to be sure, give your local CRC a call.
On the other hand, CleanOut events are organized across Sydney, Illawarra, and Hunter regions by voluntary regional waste groups with the support of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They take LPG gas bottles among the waste they take. Check out CleanOut events around your area through their website.
However, remember that only household quantities and containers with a maximum size of 20 kg or 20 L are accepted. For commercial amounts of waste, especially gas bottles, inquire with commercial waste operators or visit Business Recycling.
2. Kwik Gas Cylinder Exchange Service
Since LPG gas bottles are pressurised and cannot be simply discarded in your usual kerbside bins, Australia developed a nationwide gas cylinder exchange scheme. One is the Kwik Gas Cylinder Exchange Service, wherein you can swap your empty LPG gas bottle with a filled one. This program allows you to dispose of gas bottles properly and helps LPG companies become accountable for their waste.
If you wish to participate, the Kwik Gas Exchange Service is available through various Caltex, Mobil, Quix, and Shell outlets. Some caravan parks, convenience stores, and Bunnings Warehouse branches also offer the service.
3. SWAP’n’GO
Another prominent gas bottle exchange program is SWAP'n'GO. Apart from empty 8.5 kg and 3.7 kg bottles, SWAP'n'GO centres also accept out-of-date LPG gas bottles without additional fees. This way, you don't have to risk retesting your gas bottles' functionality.
Get ready to swap and go your LPG gas bottles in participating BOC, Caltex, Kennards Hire, Mitre 10, Mobil, and Shell outlets. Currently, over 6000 dealers across Australia can help you complete a swap.
For more information, contact SWAP'n'GO on 131 161.
Final Thoughts
We know it's easier to discard LPG gas bottles in regular bins simply, but you have to understand the risks that come with this convenience. Remember, LPG is flammable and moderately toxic. Gas bottle exchange programs are available all over Australia, so a few minutes or hours of driving and drop-off won't be much of a hassle to ensure your health and safety.
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