Can you dispose of helium tanks with regular trash pickup?

[AgadorSparticus]

I purchases this balloon time kit with a helium tank for a birthday party. It may have been stupid on my part, but I sent it to recycling hoping that someone could do something with it. But they wouldn't take it. I am hesitant to dispose of it with the regular trash pickup in fear of it exploding. If it is empty, is it okay to just dispose of it with the regular trash pickup? I just don't know very much about tanks. I will never get another one of these again. What a waste.

Any suggestions will be very much appreciated.

[kick-ass-bob]

1. Maybe try a party shop.

they may be able to refill them.

[catmandu57]

2. Call the place where you got it

maybe they'll take it back or tell you how to get rid of it. Our trash people would take it, but they don't give a rat's ass about what you throw away.

[AgadorSparticus]

6. the box says that it is non refillable. but maybe that's just

their way of getting people to buy more. but i'me beginning to think that it is true because i've called several gas places and no one refills with helium--just propane. :shrug:

[CanuckAmok]

3. you are absolutely sure it's empty, take the valve/regulator off...

...with a wrench, and drop the tank off at a metal scrapyard. Usually tanks acan be recertified and reused.

[deek]

4. I always have a helium tank...

I put it in curbside recycling bin.

Look here:
http://www.balloontime.com/BT_Faq.htm

Balloon Time tanks are fully recyclable. After removing the easy-fill nozzle from the empty cylinder, take the tank to a steel recycling center or place with curbside recycling pickup. Instructions for preparing the cylinder for disposal or recycling are located on the Balloon Time package and helium tank. You may also download the complete instructions here. However, please note that recycling programs for this product may not exist in your area. Contact your local solid waste authority for more details.

and

Balloon Time tanks cannot be refilled. These tanks are designed to be non-refillable. This design provides consumers with the convenience of being lightweight and easy to handle.

Do not attempt to refill. Please refer to warnings on the tank and carton. Attempting to refill can cause injury or death.

[AgadorSparticus]

7. Thanks for the info. I tried disposing it with my weekly recycling bin,

but they wouldn't take the tank. I'm pretty sure it is completely empty. It has been over a year since the birthday party and even at the time, I remember running out of the helium. I'll try the recycling plant.

[skygazer]

5. I would call your trash removal service

And ask them. They can tell you if they can take it and maybe direct you to a place to dispose of it if they can't.

[leftofthedial]

8. yes

but it makes the coffee grinds sound really funny