Propane Canister Recycling in Ontario
Propane canister recycling in Ontario is available through OrangeCycle™, a free program for single-use propane and butane cylinders at Ontario provincial parks and participating marinas. Empty and depressurized cylinders are still considered hazardous material and cannot go in household garbage, recycling, or the Blue Box. OrangeCycle™ gives campers and boaters a simple way to recycle these cylinders on site using designated collection cages. This page explains which items are accepted, how the program works, and where to find an OrangeCycle™ drop-off location before your next trip.
News Release
Ryse Solutions Launches OrangeCycle™ to Provide End-to-End Recycling Solution for Ontario Park-Goers
OrangeCycle™ Program Overview
OrangeCycle™ offers a free and convenient recycling service for propane and butane cylinders at more than 80 Ontario Parks locations and 16 marinas across the province.
Ryse Solutions manages OrangeCycle™ and does not process materials on site; cylinders are collected from cages and sent for recycling through the program's network.
Do no harm. Leave no trace.
How to Dispose of Propane Canisters
Disposing of propane canisters in Ontario is straightforward once you know where to take them. Follow these steps:
- Confirm the cylinder is a single-use, non-refillable propane or butane canister (such as a 1 lb camping cylinder).
- Do not put the cylinder in your household garbage, Blue Box, or curbside recycling, even if it is empty.
- Use the Location Finder to search for an OrangeCycle™ cage at Ontario provincial parks and participating marinas.
- Place the cylinder directly in the designated OrangeCycle™ cage. No pre-registration or fee is required.
- If you have a refillable propane tank or another type of pressurized container, check our hazardous waste guide for the correct disposal path.
Small Propane Cylinder Disposal
Small propane cylinder disposal in Ontario applies to non-refillable pressurized containers, such as the 1 lb butane and propane cylinders used for camping stoves and lanterns. These stay classified as hazardous material even when emptied and depressurized, since residual pressure can remain inside.
Never puncture, crush, or attempt to refill a single-use cylinder. Keep it upright in a cool, well-ventilated area, and bring it as-is to an OrangeCycle™ cage; no draining or venting is required before drop-off.
Propane Cylinder Recycling Program
The propane canister recycling program is free to use and operates in over 75 Ontario provincial parks, with collection also available at participating marinas, so boaters have the same drop-off option as campers.
The program accepts non-refillable pressurized containers only, placed directly in a designated cage. Refillable propane tanks and other pressurized containers are not accepted through OrangeCycle™. See our hazardous waste guide for the correct disposal path.
How We Work
The program is managed by Ryse Solutions Inc. and funded by the organizations that produce or distribute the products covered by OrangeCycle™. OrangeCycle™ promotes a circular economy where materials are recycled or reused whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Recycle Your Propane Canister?
Propane canister recycling in Ontario is free and easy through OrangeCycle™. Whether you're packing up after a camping trip or clearing out the garage before winter, find your nearest drop-off cage and recycle your cylinder the right way. Contact us today!