Whether you're running a transfill operation, servicing home oxygen patients, or managing medical equipment, it's important to know how to identify when a tank should be taken out of service and what to do next.

Here's what you need to know.

Step 1: Know When to Retire a Tank

Before disposing of any oxygen cylinder, check its condition. Every tank is stamped with a manufacture date, and regular requalification is required to ensure it's still safe for use.

Keep an eye out for:

• Out-of-date requalification stamps (out-of-date stamps call for requalification testing; most tanks require requalification every 5 years, depending on the cylinder type)
• A "CONDEMNED" marking (typically an "X" over the DOT stamp or the word "CONDEMNED")
• Visible damage like bulges, dents, corrosion, or signs of fire exposure (for example: tanks can turn into a brownish color with fire exposure)

Step 2: Depressurize the Tank

Before a tank can be disposed of, it must be completely depressurized. Here's how to do it safely:

*IMPORTANT: Never attempt to remove the valve from a pressurized cylinder. This is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury.

1. Move to a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources
2. Slowly open the valve to release the gas
3. Allow the cylinder to fully empty
4. Once depressurized, remove the valve completely
5. If permitted by your facility or scrap yard protocols, drilling holes in the bottom of the tank can help ensure it can't be used again. *Only authorized personnel should perform this step.

Step 3: Mark the Cylinder

After the valve has been removed, clearly label the cylinder to prevent any future use.

• Spray paint or write something such as "CONDEMNED," "EMPTY," or "DO NOT USE" on the cylinder body
• In some cases, you may also notch the neck or body, depending on your internal policies or scrap facility requirements

This helps eliminate confusion for anyone handling the cylinder later.

Step 4: Recycle or Scrap Responsibly

Steel and aluminum oxygen cylinders can usually be recycled through scrap metal programs, once they're safely depressurized and clearly marked.

Before drop-off, confirm the following with your local recycler:

• They accept compressed gas cylinders
• They don't require any special documentation or handling procedures

Not sure where to go? Your local waste authority may be able to offer guidance.

Can You Just Throw Them Away?

Short answer: no. Oxygen cylinders, even when empty, should never be placed in the trash or standard recycling bins. Doing so can pose serious safety risks to sanitation workers and may violate local regulations.

Here's an example of what can happen when pressurized tanks are mishandled:

Stay Safe, Stay Compliant

Properly disposing of oxygen tanks helps protect your staff, your patients, your business, and the public. Following the correct steps ensure old cylinders are safely handled and don't accidentally find their way back into circulation.

*Please note: Always follow your local, state, and federal guidelines for medical oxygen cylinder disposal. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace official regulatory advice.