The UT Austin Gas Cylinder policy, which went into effect in May 1993, requires that all gas cylinders purchased for use on campus must be returnable to the vendor. The only exception to this policy is for a compelling research reason. The original policy indicated such exceptions would require prior approval and that a $1,000 deposit would be required to cover potential disposal costs. The specific procedures to be followed to request permission to purchase a research gas in a non-returnable gas cylinder are outlined below.

The Principal Investigator (PI) should prepare a request for an exception and include the reason why a non-returnable gas cylinder purchase is essential. This request must contain a Letter of Credit commitment that specifically states the requesting PI will be responsible for the proper disposal of the non-returnable cylinder and agrees to pay a $1,000 disposal fee if The University is required to dispose of the cylinder. This request should be submitted to the department chair and the dean for review and approval. The request should then be forwarded to the Provost for final action. Please note: identification of a specific account or funding source by the PI for the possible $1,000 disposal expenditure is not required but approval by the department and the college constitutes a commitment by them that, if necessary, department or college funds are available to cover any required disposal costs if the PI is unable to cover these costs.

A copy of the approval request will be returned to the PI and a copy will be forwarded to Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). The PI should attach a copy of the approved request to the purchase order used to obtain the desired gas.

Final disposal of the non-returnable gas cylinder should be completed no later than three years after purchase unless written approval for an extension is obtained from the Provost upon recommendation of the chair and dean. Evidence of the proper disposal of the cylinder must be provided to EH&S. If the cylinder is disposed of through normal channels (e.g. the EH&S Hazardous Waste Program) at no extra cost to The University, the $1,000 Letter of Credit commitment will be canceled. The cylinder will be acceptable for normal waste disposal if the valve has been removed from the cylinder and the cylinder has been cleaned. Similarly, if the cylinder has been returned to the manufacturer or distributor, and this is verified in the form of a receipt or a bill of lading, the Letter of Credit commitment will be canceled. If however, The University must dispose of the cylinder outside of normal procedures because of the cylinder's condition, e.g. damaged or corroded valve, the disposal fee of $1,000 will be assessed to the PI and it is the responsibility of the PI to provide an appropriate account for this charge at that time.

If there are questions about this policy, please contact Marye Anne Fox, Vice President for Research.