Understanding Gas Cylinder Returns: What You Need to Know
We often get asked about returning gas cylinders – especially when someone no longer needs them and believes they’re entitled to a refund. There’s a common misunderstanding that the initial charge paid when first buying a gas cylinder is a deposit, but that’s not quite the case.
Let’s clear things up.
Is It a Deposit?
No, the charge paid when you first buy a Calor Gas (or Flogas) cylinder is not a refundable deposit – it’s a non-refundable service charge. This fee covers the use of the gas cylinder and allows Calor (or Flogas) to continue maintaining and refilling the cylinders safely.
The cylinders themselves always remain the property of Calor Gas or Flogas – not the customer. This means that even if you bought a cylinder years ago, you haven't bought the bottle, only the gas inside and the right to use the cylinder.
How It Works – Example
If you come in to purchase a Patio Gas cylinder for your BBQ and don’t have an empty one to exchange, you’ll be charged a service charge for the cylinder. This charge applies regardless of whether you plan to return it in the future or not.
Now, say five years down the line, you no longer have a BBQ and want to return the gas cylinder. Naturally, many people assume they’ll get the service charge back – thinking it was a deposit. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
Can You Still Get Something Back?
Calor Gas does offer a limited refund through their own website, but only under specific conditions. If you kept your original Cylinder Refill Agreement (CRA) paperwork from when you first purchased the cylinder, you may be able to apply for a partial refund.
Here's how it works:
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You’ll lose 30% straight away (admin/handling fee).
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Then you lose 10% of the value each year from the date of purchase.
So, if you’re returning it after 5 years, the refund will be significantly reduced – and may not be worth the effort for many.
You can find more about this and download the refund form directly from Calor Gas’s website. https://www.calorgas.ie/help-centre/cylinders
What If I Just Want to Get Rid of the Cylinder?
No problem! If you're simply looking to dispose of your old Calor or Flogas cylinder, you're welcome to drop it off at our premises. We’ll make sure it’s returned to the correct supplier for safe handling and reuse.
Please note:
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We can only accept Calor Gas or Flogas cylinders.
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We do not accept other brands or unbranded cylinders.
Final Thoughts
We understand it can be frustrating if you were unaware of these terms at the time of purchase. Unfortunately, we as a retailer don’t set the service charge policy and we’re not involved in any refund decisions – these are entirely managed by Calor or Flogas.
If you have any questions or need help identifying your cylinder, feel free to drop by or contact us – we’re happy to help.
