Propane & Pressurized Cylinders: BANNED FROM LANDFILL

  • The Law: It is illegal to dispose of any pressurized cylinder in the trash. This includes grill tanks (20 lb), camping canisters (1 lb), fire extinguishers, and helium tanks. They are an explosion hazard for trucks and facility staff.

  • The Program: SWAC utilizes a mix of Retail Exchange (Preferred) and Hazardous Waste Collection.

  • The “Swap” Rule (Preferred): The easiest way to manage 20 lb grill tanks is to exchange your empty for a full one at a retailer.

    • How it works: You pay the retailer to swap your old tank for a safety-inspected, full one.

    • Why use it: This is the most efficient way to retire an old, expired, or rusty tank. The manufacturer takes the old tank to be recertified or recycled safely.

Where to Take It:

  • 1 lb Camping Cylinders (Small Green Tanks):

    • Gleason Road Transfer Station: 14 Gleason Rd, Rutland | (802) 775-7209. Accepts these for a disposal fee. NO PERMIT REQUIRED for residents to access the facility in 2026.

    • SWAC HHW Events: Accepted FREE for residents of SWAC member towns. Visit the SWAC Homepage for the current schedule.

  • 20 lb Grill Tanks:

    • Retail Exchange: Take these to Walmart, Hannaford, Price Chopper, or Aubuchon Hardware (Rutland Area) and Shaw’s (Fair Haven).

    • Gleason Road Transfer Station: Accepts these for a disposal fee.

  • Fire Extinguishers & Helium Tanks:

    • These must be taken to the Gleason Road Transfer Station or a SWAC HHW Event. Do not take these to retail exchange bins.

💡 Pro-Tips for Residents:

  • Walmart Warning: While Walmart is a primary location for swapping large 20 lb grill tanks, they do not accept the small 1 lb camping cylinders for recycling or exchange.

  • Is it empty? If you can hear liquid sloshing, it is not empty. If you aren’t exchanging it at a store, it must be brought to a SWAC HW event or the Gleason Road HHW Depot.

  • Out-of-District: Non-district residents or those with specialized tanks may be directed to the main RCSWD HHW Depot at Gleason Road and may be subject to non-district surcharges.

  • Town Stations: Residents of Fair Haven and Rutland Town should contact their local transfer station attendant for current rules and fees regarding empty tanks at those specific sites.