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Non-refillable Cylinder Recycling: Worthington Cylinders’ Perspective

Non-refillable Cylinder Recycling: Worthington Cylinders’ Perspective. About Worthington Cylinders. Leading global producer of pressure cylinders Division of Worthington Industries Ten manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe. Pomona, California Columbus, Ohio Westerville, Ohio

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Non-refillable Cylinder Recycling: Worthington Cylinders’ Perspective

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  1. Non-refillable Cylinder Recycling: Worthington Cylinders’ Perspective

  2. About Worthington Cylinders Leading global producer of pressure cylinders Division of Worthington Industries Ten manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe • Pomona, California • Columbus, Ohio • Westerville, Ohio • Jefferson, Ohio • New Albany, Mississippi • Chilton, Wisconsin • Tilbury, Ontario • Portugal • Czech Republic • Austria

  3. Worthington Recent Recycling Activities 2002 - 2004 Participant Propane Tank Summit. 2005 Co-Sponsor mobile cylinder recovery and recycling trailer. Over 19,000 tons of steel is projected to be recycled by Worthington Cylinders plants in North America in 2009. Sponsor of public recycling initiatives. Engineering staff actively pursuing safe convenient recycling program for non-refillable cylinders. Engaged in exploratory activity with a major retailers to identify potential cylinder recycling paths that would be easily accessible for consumers.

  4. Disposable Cylinders Product Descriptions Portable, convenient fuel gas source contained in small steel cylinder. Portable, helium gas source for balloon inflation. Portable, refrigerant recovery and collection cylinder primarily used in the commercial HVAC industry. Cylinders are manufactured and shipped in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Cylinders are not intended for re-use. Regulations prohibit the transportation of cylinders that have been refilled. NFPA 58 prohibits refilling of disposable cylinders.

  5. Developed in the early 1950’s for use with portable hand torches for heating, soldering, brazing. Used with camping appliances such as heaters, lanterns and stoves beginning early 1970’s. Two disposable cylinder manufacturers: Worthington Cylinders: Chilton, WI facility since 2005. Prior to 2005, Western Industries operated the facility, dating back to the early 1960’s. Coleman Company: facility in Wichita, KS Product HistoryDisposable propane

  6. Today’s RealityNon-refillable Disposable Gas Cylinders Tens of millions of fuel gas cylinders are sold annually. Well over half are used outdoors in camping related activities. Up to 30,000 tons of potentially recyclable material is discarded each year. (At roughly 1 pound of steel per unit) Most jurisdictions governing solid waste allow general disposal on non-refillable cylinders. Handling and recovery activity must comply with federal and state regulations and procedures (DOT, DNR, OSHA, EPA and local fire officials). Controls are necessary to assure safety and environmental responsibility in the workplace, community and during transportation.

  7. Today’s Disposal Methods Government organized “Clean Sweeps” Local Household Hazardous Waste drop off locations Private service companies specializing in safe recovery and recycling State Park drop points Household trash for curbside pickup Littering or other improper disposal

  8. Future Disposal Methods Manufacturer take back? Curbside collection? Retail take back? Household Hazardous Waste? Private entrepreneurs and cylinder recertifier locations? Exchange facilities? Other

  9. Exercise Define the pros and cons of each potential disposal path.

  10. Pros Regulatory understanding Product knowledge Cons Few locations Increased cost Manufacturers Take Back Possible Options Manufacturers take back Curbside collection Retail take back Household hazardous waste Private entrepreneurs and cylinder recertifier locations Exchange facilities

  11. Pros Very convenient Current programs exist for non-hazardous waste Cons Potentially unsafe Product education Haz-Mat transportation Un-regulated industry Employee/community safety Curbside Collection Possible Options Manufacturers take back Curbside collection Retail take back Household hazardous waste Private entrepreneurs and cylinder recertifier locations Exchange facilities

  12. Pros Retailer controlled Convenient Cons Increased complexity Lack of regulatory knowledge Public safety No Haz-Mat transportation Increased cost Retail take back Possible Options Manufacturers take back Curbside collection Retail take back Household hazardous waste Private entrepreneurs and cylinder recertifier locations Exchange facilities

  13. Pros Current programs established Cons High cost to manage Limited budget Inconvenient locations Limited bulk transportation ability Dependent on private service industry Household Hazardous Waste Possible Options Manufacturers take back Curbside collection Retail take back Household hazardous waste Private entrepreneurs and cylinder recertifier locations Exchange facilities

  14. Pros Established processes Understanding of safety requirements Educated employees Cons Few locations Lack funding Inconsistent recovery methods to reduce cost Lack haz-mat transportation fleet Private Entrepreneurs & Cylinder Recertifier Locations Possible Options Manufacturers take back Curbside collection Retail take back Household hazardous waste Private entrepreneurs and cylinder recertifier locations Exchange facilities

  15. Pros Convenient drop locations Developed infrastructure requirements Currently recovering and recycling larger cylinders Educated staff Safety understanding Experience with flammable gasses Cons Operating cost Exchange facilities Possible Options Manufacturers take back Curbside collection Retail take back Household hazardous waste Private entrepreneurs and cylinder recertifier locations Exchange facilities

  16. Conceptual Disposable Cylinder Life Cycle Manufacturer Recycler Retailer Convenient Drop Points Consumer Hazardous Recovery Transportation

  17. Summary Worthington Cylinders has been actively pursuing convenient options for non-refillable cylinder recycling. Consulting with recycling industry experts. Traveling North America and European facilities to define best practices for recycling and recovery. Supporting activities at National Parks to maintain a clean environment. Working with state and local agencies to initiate and research pilot programs.

  18. Define the details of a recovery and recycling program. Develop criteria for a pilot program. Understand risk and rewards. Understand the economics of a program. Next Steps

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