Helium Tank Disposal: How to Get Rid of Balloon Time Tanks [2026]
Helium tank disposal is straightforward once the tank is completely empty. Most disposable helium tanks (like Balloon Time from Walmart or Target) can go in your regular garbage or be recycled as scrap metal. The key step: make sure all helium is released and the tank is clearly marked "empty" before disposal. Here is every option and a step-by-step guide.
| Method | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Regular garbage (empty tanks) | Free | Simplest option, works in most areas |
| Scrap metal recycling | Free (may get small rebate) | Environmentally responsible, metal is recovered |
| Curbside metal recycling | Free | Areas with metal recycling pickup |
| HHW drop-off (some counties) | Free | Full or partially full tanks |
| Return to retailer | Free (where accepted) | Some Party City and specialty stores |
| Dropcurb (with other junk) | $79 | Bundled with party cleanup or home cleanout |
How to Empty and Dispose of a Helium Tank
- 1
Release all remaining helium
Take the tank outdoors. Gently press down near the end of the nozzle to release any remaining helium. Helium is non-toxic and safe to release into the atmosphere — it dissipates harmlessly. Keep pressing until you hear no more hissing.
- 2
Confirm the tank is empty
The tilt valve should move freely when the tank is fully empty. On Balloon Time tanks, the green nozzle will release easily. If you feel any resistance or hear hissing, more helium remains — continue releasing.
- 3
Mark the tank as empty
Circle the open valve hole with a marker and write "EMPTY" on the tank in large letters. This signals to waste haulers and recyclers that the tank is safe to handle.
- 4
Choose your disposal method
Place the empty, marked tank next to your garbage bin for regular trash pickup. Or take it to a scrap metal yard or recycling center for metal recovery — you may receive a small rebate.
Can You Put a Helium Tank in the Garbage?
Yes — if it is completely empty. King County, Washington explicitly states: "Dispose of five gallon or smaller helium tanks in the garbage" after emptying. Homewood Disposal Service and wikiHow both confirm that empty helium tanks can go next to your garbage cart for regular pickup.
Important: a full or partially full helium tank should NOT go in regular trash. Pressurized containers can rupture in a garbage truck compactor. If you cannot empty the tank yourself (a stuck valve, for example), take it to a household hazardous waste facility. Kent County, Michigan classifies all compressed gas tanks as household hazardous waste and accepts them at residential drop-off sites.
Recycling Helium Tanks for Scrap Metal
Disposable helium tanks are made of steel, which is 100% recyclable. CuyahogaRecycles recommends puncturing empty retail helium tanks and recycling them at a local scrap metal yard — you may receive a small rebate for the steel.
Houston, Texas encourages residents to puncture and recycle empty helium tanks at city recycling centers or local scrap metal dealers. RecycleSpot in Kansas City confirms that both 9.5-inch and 12.5-inch Balloon Time tanks are accepted at scrap metal dealers.
Livingston Township, New Jersey allows helium tanks in curbside metal recycling collection, as long as they are emptied first.
If you want to recycle but your area does not have convenient scrap metal options, search "scrap metal yard near me" or "[your city] metal recycling" to find the closest drop-off location.
What NOT to Do With a Helium Tank
Never puncture or cut open a pressurized helium tank. Even "empty" tanks may have residual pressure. Only puncture tanks that have been confirmed completely empty through the valve.
Never put a full or partially full tank in trash. The pressure differential in a garbage truck compactor can cause the tank to rupture.
Never throw helium tanks in a fire. Heat expansion of the remaining gas can cause an explosion.
Never try to refill a disposable tank. Balloon Time and similar consumer tanks are designed for single use. Attempting to refill them is dangerous — the tanks are not rated for repeated pressurization.
Reusable vs Disposable Helium Tanks
Disposable tanks (Balloon Time, other retail brands) are meant for single use. They weigh 3–7 pounds empty and fill 30–50 balloons depending on size. These are the tanks most people need to dispose of after a birthday party or event. Follow the disposal steps above.
Reusable helium tanks are larger, professional-grade cylinders rented from industrial gas suppliers or party rental companies. These should be returned to the supplier — not disposed of. If you have a reusable tank from a rental company, contact them to arrange return or pickup. These tanks are refilled and reused for years.
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