How to Dispose of Butane Lighters

Once a butane lighter runs out of fluid or no longer operates, many people simply throw the lighters out without considering the environmental impact. Studies in Canada have shown that butane is not only a carcinogen to humans, but also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone at ground level can damage human health and vegetation. Even if there is only a small amount of butane left in the lighter, it can be dangerous and hazardous to the environment.

Instructions

1. Call your local waste management agency and ask how they recommend you dispose of your butane lighters. Cities often hold hazardous waste days at local county offices for the public to drop off hazardous materials for disposal. Regulations vary among cities. Some places require that hazardous waste is individually bagged before being dropped off. Other cities don't accept lighters at their hazardous waste centers.

2. Store your used butane lighters in a bag isolated from other trash.

3. Keep this bag in a cool and dry location until you can dispose of the lighters properly, according to the recommendations of your city.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid throwing your butane lighters into open flames. They will explode and may cause injury.

References

• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Ozone: Good Up High, Bad Nearby
• Environment Canada: Butane
• Calor Safety Data Sheet: Liquefied Butane Gas

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Saitama City: Disposal of Toxic/Hazardous waste
• Tulare County Compost & Biomass: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center