What To Do With Your Old Oxygen Tanks

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                                                                                                                                                      LIFE-2-101-Ox-tank--w-inset-3x3[1]

We often receive inquiries regarding what to do with old or empty emergency oxygen (O2) cylinders. The simple answer is to recycle them – O2 cylinders are either aluminum or stainless steel, but compressed oxygen is considered a hazardous material. So, what steps are necessary to dispose of a used O2 cylinder?

Follow these steps to dispose of your empty oxygen containers:

  1. Determine whether you have aluminum or stainless steel containers. A magnet will stick to stainless steel; it won’t stick to aluminum.
  2. Empty the tanks. Leave the valve open to allow all oxygen to drain. You may also need to remove the regulator.
  3. Call your local recycling center. Specify whether your tanks are aluminum or stainless steel (both are recyclable). Many local recycling centers will accept tanks.
  4. If your local recycling center doesn’t accept your empty O2 tanks, ask them for a recommendation of another recycling center or disposal method.
  5. If you’re unable to find a local recycler, call the manufacturer for further guidance.

Stainless Steel or Aluminum

Here at AED Superstore, we sell LIFE® Emergency Oxygen and supplies. According to LIFE Corporation, you can contact your local recycling center to see if they accept O2 cylinders. If your local recycling center does not accept O2 cylinders, they should be able to direct you to a facility where the cylinder can be taken. You may need to determine whether you have an aluminum or a stainless steel cylinder before you call. If you purchased the emergency O2 from us, the cylinder is aluminum. Stainless steel is three times heavier than aluminum, and both are recyclable.

Allow the Tank to Drain

If the cylinder has any oxygen left in it, open the valve and allow it to drain. You may also need to remove the regulator from the top of the cylinder. Regulators are usually aluminum with brass flow channels. You can check with your recycling center to see if they accept cylinders with the regulator attached.

Contact Original Seller

Sometimes the O2 cylinder will have a business name on it – perhaps a hospital, a medical supply company, or even a scuba diving gear supplier. You can contact this business to see if they are interested in having the cylinder returned to them. Also, some localities have aluminum recycling centers where you may be able to receive monetary compensation for the aluminum tank.

                                                                                                                                                      

After considering all of those options, how about these alternatives? If you’re artistic, perhaps a “found object” sculpture, or maybe decorate your yard with the old cylinders? You may want to check with your neighbors or your homeowner’s association first.

67 Responses to “What To Do With Your Old Oxygen Tanks”

January 28, 2016 at 7:28 am, Roberta Roy said:

Where can I recycle SCUBA cylinders that have been emptied of air?
I live in Northern San Diego County, not far from Del Mar.

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January 28, 2016 at 3:07 pm, AED Superstore said:

Roberta,
A quick web search of “recycling scuba cylinders” garnered a myriad of results ranging from places to recycle your containers, how-to help, drop-offs, pick-ups, nationwide, and more. Your SCUBA tanks are probably aluminum (if a magnet doesn’t stick, it’s aluminum), and you can probably find a local recycling center for aluminum. You can also contact your local waste management facility for additional help and information.

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April 20, 2023 at 10:15 pm, Ebony said:

Just like I do I have plenty of use oxygen tanks I have the whole machine to sell if you like to buy it you can reach me at 213-877-1059 and please call as soon as possible if you can

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October 03, 2022 at 5:13 pm, Carol Kuhn said:

I’m looking to buy a used 540 20 cu ft oxygen tank cheap. Any ideas,

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October 10, 2022 at 9:13 am, AED Superstore said:

The only recommendations we would make would be to try medical supply companies and local recycling facilities. Good luck!

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December 20, 2022 at 11:16 am, Susan said:

I have 5 sm and 2 large tanks that you are welcome to.. I am looking to give away.

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December 20, 2022 at 11:20 am, AED Superstore said:

We do not resell old or used cylinders. You can contact your local waste control facility to see if they can take them.

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December 08, 2023 at 12:32 pm, J.Aulett@ said:

I have two oxygen tanks. I need to get rid of them here. How can ?

December 08, 2023 at 12:40 pm, AED Superstore said:

Check with your local waste management facility. You can also check with a local medical supply company.

July 07, 2016 at 7:38 pm, Zequek Estrada said:

It sounds like it could possibly be dangerous to store up a bunch of old oxygen tanks. I think it’s always a good idea to know what to do with old medical equipment. That would probably limit any hazard and get keep more things from filling up landfills.

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June 12, 2018 at 3:10 pm, Teresa C said:

So you can take them to the landfill

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June 13, 2018 at 6:46 am, AED Superstore said:

Old oxygen tanks need to be recycled.

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May 24, 2023 at 10:37 pm, Joe Tejeda said:

Looking for old oxygen tanks ( no medical tanks). I am located in tx if any one has some. I will take them all except for flammable tanks I can’t use. My number is 210/409/8762

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October 03, 2016 at 11:21 am, Rita Drennon said:

I switched oxygen companies and cannot get in touch w Univita for them to pick up 6 tanks. Empty. Called my oxygen co. And she was dumb as a rock. How can I dispose of these????? HELP

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October 03, 2016 at 12:12 pm, AED Superstore said:

It looks like Univita may be going out of business. We recommend you contact your local waste management facility, or recycling center, and see if they take oxygen tanks. If they don’t, they should be able to direct you to someone who does. Don’t forget to completely empty the tanks before you recycle them.

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August 16, 2018 at 2:42 pm, Duane said:

I have 8 27″ and 7 9″ Oxygen tanks one healthcare will not pick them up how do I get rid of them

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August 17, 2018 at 6:55 am, AED Superstore said:

As mentioned in the article:
Follow these steps to dispose of your empty oxygen containers:
Determine whether you have aluminum or stainless steel containers. A magnet will stick to stainless steel; it won’t stick to aluminum.
Empty the tanks. Leave the valve open to allow all oxygen to drain. You may also need to remove the regulator.
Call your local recycling center. Specify whether your tanks are aluminum or stainless steel (both are recyclable). Many local recycling centers will accept tanks.
If your local recycling center doesn’t accept your empty O2 tanks, ask them for a recommendation of another recycling center or disposal method.
If you’re unable to find a local recycler, call the manufacturer for further guidance.

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October 10, 2019 at 6:43 am, Doc said:

Anyone ever consider someone local who uses oxygen for their oxygen torches??

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October 10, 2019 at 7:09 am, AED Superstore said:

Good suggestion! Thanks!

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February 21, 2020 at 4:26 pm, Boose chicken said:

I use medical tanks for welding. They work great

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August 04, 2022 at 11:18 am, Ben said:

I would be glad to take them off your hands it’s for an artistic endeavor please message me

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October 24, 2016 at 1:47 pm, LOUISE ONEILL said:

Bought an old house and people left old oxygen tanks and equipment and I don’t know how to dispose of them

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February 16, 2017 at 5:54 pm, S Conner said:

Look for the name of the company imprinted on the tanks (or any other equipment). If they are still in business they will definitely take them back…just get the address and drive them in. If the company is out of business, do the recycle center method. I work for an oxygen company and we can’t take other company’s tanks regardless of how or why the patient still has them. If you can assure the tank is empty (outside open the valve very slowly with a wrench if there is no regulator attached, and let it bleed out). Then the valve can be (not so easily) removed- look up how to’s) so they are no longer any kind of hazard. They can then freely be recycled whether steel (very heavy) or aluminum.

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April 14, 2017 at 3:39 pm, Brittany said:

Do y’all buy them back empty

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April 17, 2017 at 7:20 am, AED Superstore said:

We are not equipped to accept old oxygen tanks. We recommend you contact your local waste management facility, or recycling center, and see if they take oxygen tanks. If they don’t, they should be able to direct you to someone who does.

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October 26, 2019 at 8:33 pm, Ron Schoonover said:

Do y’all buy oxygen bottles back

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October 28, 2019 at 6:34 am, AED Superstore said:

Sorry, we do not.

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December 16, 2017 at 1:24 pm, G.Goody said:

The comp. That
Brought the tanks for my husband are no longer in business I need to get rid of 4 little tanks can I call someone else and who please thank you

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December 18, 2017 at 8:30 am, AED Superstore said:

You can always contact your local waste management facility. Your tanks are probably aluminum or stainless steel. Your waste management service should be able to accept them or should be able to point you to a place that does accept them. You will have to make sure the tanks are completely empty before recycling them.

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January 21, 2018 at 8:52 pm, Aaron said:

You can put an ad on Craigslist Free and a scrapper or artist will gladly pick them up 🙂

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January 22, 2018 at 7:49 am, AED Superstore said:

Excellent suggestion!

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April 27, 2018 at 8:12 am, 5 Earth-friendly ideas for patients said:

[…] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers this info on proper disposal of discarded needles, sharps and other medical waste. Wondering what to do with old oxygen tanks? See this guide. […]

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September 18, 2018 at 10:01 pm, Pippy said:

Can I keep a empty oxygen tank for a reborn baby doll prop

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September 19, 2018 at 6:24 am, AED Superstore said:

Many people repurpose oxygen tanks for sculptures and such. As long as it is empty there is no danger in reusing an old oxygen tank.

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September 30, 2018 at 7:26 pm, mario said:

Dear sirs,
We need this artikle: 42 PCS oxigen 3 l cilinder/botle/WHITE COLOUR-with presure regulator

Specification:

A set on a trolley
trolleys:
metal
White
Plastic coated
On two wheels
Bottle:
metal
White
Capacity: min 3 l
Filled at min 200 bar
It gives 600 l of oxygen
Reversing valve with 360 degree revolutions, with a flow rate of 1 to 25 l / min
Volume Moisturizer 200 ml./HUMIDIFEYER/
Oxygen mask for adults (AND 1 FOR children) with a hose length of 2 m.
Balloon silicone for reanimation with Ohio bag, hose for connection to reduction valve, adult mask no. 5 and a mask for children no. 3
ADITIONAL QUESTIONS:
1)Can you paint botle in WHITE COLOUR?
2)Can you put European standard conector…?
3)We need all letters/words/ on flowmeters, presure regulators…ENGLISH caracters, not Chinese
4)Do you have Ce mark certificate?
What is the best therm of delivery , you can offer to us?
Please offer us AIR FREIGHT SHIPPING CHARGES… to…in Proforma invoice , include us allso fast shipping /TNT, FEDEX, DHL…OR OTHER/

Many thanks in advance for support and fast answer we hope..
Mario R,
Remedylink d.o.o.
Croatia
Zagreb 10000
Zelinska 4
VAT:37507261097
Telephoin-mobile:00385916170107-whats up; Mario Raos

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October 02, 2018 at 8:31 am, AED Superstore said:

We do not carry such items and cannot export oxygen tanks.

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January 27, 2019 at 6:00 pm, Judi Neville said:

Our recycle company says we need to cut the tanks in half, is there anyway to do that safely

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January 28, 2019 at 8:59 am, AED Superstore said:

Hi Judi – unfortunately we aren’t well versed in that kind of disposal. We would recommend calling the recycling company to see if they have recommendations.

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May 08, 2019 at 8:15 am, Donna L. Thoms said:

I have several empty oxygen tanks….Who in West Terre Haute. Indiana takes em?

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May 08, 2019 at 10:34 am, AED Superstore said:

As we are located in northern Wisconsin, we are not familiar with your area. Please try contacting your local waste management facility for information regarding recycling your oxygen tanks. Thank you.

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May 15, 2019 at 11:30 am, Frankie rivera said:

I had came across oxygen tanks and i want to recycle them. I just want to make sure theres no air in them. I dont have a regulator. Its just thw tank and the valve. How do i release the rest of air if i dont have them parts.

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June 11, 2019 at 1:05 pm, AED Superstore said:

You could try contacting a medical supply company or an O2 supply company (like LIFE Corporation) for information on draining the tanks.

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May 22, 2019 at 12:05 am, Lincy said:

It is really a hectic process to dispose of an Oxygen cylinder once it is completed. The post helps me to know the things what to do with old Oxygen tanks. https://www.gasntools.com/product/10-liter-co2-gas-cylinder/

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June 03, 2019 at 3:12 pm, LaShan Dancy said:

My Grandmother passed December 28, 2017. When cleaning out her home she has 2 large oxygen tanks
and one personal carry oxygen tank. The place that issued them will not take them back. I can’t find any place in the area that will recycle them. Waste Management or recycling facility. Please can someone help me. These items have been sitting in my living room with no place to go.

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June 11, 2019 at 1:03 pm, AED Superstore said:

You could try contacting a medical supply company or an O2 supply company (like LIFE Corporation) for recommendations. It’s very unusual for a recycling facility to not accept cylinders. The newer cylinders are aluminum, while the older ones may be stainless steel, both of which are recyclable.

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October 15, 2019 at 2:16 pm, Elsie said:

I know this is an old post but
My friend is in need of an oxygen tank. She lives in New Brunswick, NJ. Any suggestions? We will pay for shipping

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October 15, 2019 at 2:22 pm, AED Superstore said:

Your best option would be to call a local medical supply company.

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May 26, 2023 at 12:07 pm, Cora said:

Hey I have 5

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November 13, 2019 at 1:23 am, Darren Smith said:

I found a recycler in Memphis and Minneapolis areas that will pick up o2 tanks in those local address. Contact me at ucmdarren@gmail and I’ll give you the info. They said at about 0.17c per pound it covers the cost of pick up.

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January 23, 2020 at 11:31 am, Debora Marcus said:

I LIVE IN NYC AND NEED TO HAVE A LARGE OXYGEN TANK PICKED UP AND DESTROYED OR REPURPOSED.. THE COMPANY WHICH “DELIVERED” THIS TANK WILL NOT TAKE IT BACK AND THE NYC DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION DOES NOT DISPOSE OF O2 TANKS. HELP !

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January 23, 2020 at 1:27 pm, AED Superstore said:

You can check other local medical supply companies or oxygen suppliers like Airgas. If all else fails check out this link. I believe they may be able to help you: https://www.cylinderrecyclers.com/

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January 19, 2023 at 11:03 am, Gloria said:

I live in applevalley I found a empty oxygen tank empty can I recycle it

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January 19, 2023 at 11:11 am, AED Superstore said:

Yes, you can recycle it at a local recycling center.

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March 01, 2020 at 2:20 pm, Roy said:

Hi I am looking for.used oxygen ,co2,argon industrial gas cylenders with any qty pls provide me your contact details

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April 19, 2021 at 12:42 pm, Roger said:

Hi Roy… I have a lot of oxygen tanks..16…and a huge one….also a ventilator…are u interested..if yes call me at 1 808 429 1553 Roger

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July 26, 2022 at 3:20 pm, Chris said:

Hi Roy, what size tanks and how many are you looking for,if still looking? I have multiple tanks that I’ve collected over the years being that I have a welding business that some locals drop their tanks off to me because they don’t know where to take them. I’m located in the Philadelphia area. Let me know if you’re still looking.

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February 28, 2024 at 8:14 pm, Mason Sowell said:

I live in Lindale Texas and I often find These old Oxygen tanks on free scrap on Craigslist. There To pretty to scrap and aluminum doesn’t really pay much. So after draining them I removed the valve and with an abrasive blade on circular saw cut off the bottom and the top Then I cut them in different Lengths drill 1/8 inch hole horizontally I used 1/8 inch Brass brazing rod to put in cross ways ties Paracord in center of the brass pin ben using old hub caps too hang then from center string and a round piece of aluminum plate middle was down with a piece o rectangle 1×4 board and put in the tree. And people could hear it before they saw it and have sold Several have updated materials used for the cleaner/striker and paddle since the first build. Also bevelling outer edge changes the Tone. Anyone Seeing this Can make dang good money by using your imagination and y’all would be amazed at what they charge for high quality chimes! Y’all can thank me when you start making too much money you don’t have no place to store it let me know. I have room.😉

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March 30, 2020 at 12:48 pm, Lindasue Thomas said:

All of you that has empty tanks and stuff have y’all tried Lincare ?

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April 29, 2021 at 3:06 am, Carlita Valentino said:

If he or she were a car, the stroller could be the side car or the passenger seat. Let’s say you wanted to take your dog to the beach. You could buy a nice beach stroller and let him or her explore the beach freely.

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November 15, 2021 at 8:17 am, Steven said:

Where can I get my hands on these? I do not need/want them to store anything (gas or compressed air). I searched Google and could not find what I was looking for…Any thoughts?

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November 15, 2021 at 10:11 am, AED Superstore said:

Try checking local purveyors of oxygen. Other than that, we have no suggestions.

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March 18, 2022 at 1:51 pm, Private Proxy For Instagram said:

wohh just what I was searching for, appreciate it for posting.

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July 25, 2022 at 2:48 pm, Robin said:

Hello! This how-to is really helpful, thanks! Can you please tell me if the same process applies to CO2 cylinders as well? Thank you!

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July 26, 2022 at 6:39 am, AED Superstore said:

This should apply to any cylinders.

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November 05, 2022 at 1:49 am, Keith said:

What an ubsurd suggestion. O2 cylinders cost $75 and up, without a regulator, and you suggest taking them to a recycle center?! Is that so they can sell them back to distributors for a profit? Or sell them back, to one of your local sales reps, so you can resell them to people with health issues and huge medical bills? You should be ashamed of yourselves!

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November 07, 2022 at 7:19 am, AED Superstore said:

Oxygen cylinders need to be recycled. The alternative is to keep them at your site, which may violate local laws. We don’t resell oxygen cylinders. It is our understanding recycle centers are not permitted to resell recyclables.

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April 26, 2024 at 9:14 am, Sean Preas said:

Enjoyed looking at this, very good stuff, appreciate it.

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