Don’t Throw Away Your Tank: Here’s How to Safely Dispose of Old Propane Tanks

Propane is used in a variety of ways, from heating homes to helping you prepare the perfect meal GrillLike their uses, propane tanks come in many shapes and sizes. The most well-known are the 20- and 15-pound tanks used for outdoor cooking AND patio heaters.

While most of these smaller portable tanks are exchanged at local retailers for a new full tank, this is not always the case. Sometimes you can change your gas grill to shot model or charcoal grill and you no longer need the tank. At this point you need to decide what to do with the cylinder containing the highly flammable substance.

Don’t worry. Here are your options for safely and properly disposing of your propane tank.

How to Properly Dispose of a Propane Tank

While the container may no longer be useful to you, it is definitely not trash, at least not in the sense that you can just put it on the curb with your other trash. Not only will the trash company not pick it up, but leaving it on the side of the road is also very dangerous.

An easy way to get rid of a propane tank would be to check with friends who might be able to use it. You could sell it to them for less than buying a new tank, which could easily cost over $60, trade it for something you want from them, or just keep it to yourself and give it to them. But if you’d rather go the other way or don’t know anyone who would want it, there are other options.

Find a Propane Tank Replacement Location

The two most widely available exchange brands are Blue Rhino and Amerigas, and these exchange points can be found at many gas stations, grocery stores, and other large retailers. They are called exchange points because typically, when you use up all the propane in your grill tank, you will be able to exchange your old tank for a new, full one at a discounted price compared to buying a brand new one.

If you no longer need the tank, simply write:Recycling“on the side of the tank and drop it. This is also a solution for a damaged tank.

Aside from not wanting the tank anymore or returning it because it’s damaged, propane tanks must be recertified 12 years after the date of manufacture. This date is stamped on the tank handle. After that, recertification must occur every five years. So if your tanks meet this criteria, write “recycle” on them and return them to a drop-off location. If you have a local propane distributor, you can do this through them as well.

Select local

If you can’t find a drop-off location near you or prefer to go the more formal route, you can contact your local hazardous waste office or public works department. Both of these entities can help you dispose of your tank or find a place to do it. These options are usually free or cost a nominal fee.

These options also provide a point of contact for disposal of the smaller 1-pound tanks used in many portable and camping grills, as well as a place to dispose of larger tanks weighing over 20 pounds, in addition to contacting your local propane distributor.

Safe storage and transportation

Keep in mind that these metal tanks contain a highly flammable liquid – propane, yes, in liquid form. Even if your grill won’t light up from an “empty” propane tank, there may still be traces of fuel inside, which can be dangerous.

It is important to always store propane tanks in an upright position. A helpful way to prevent accidental tipping of the tank is to store it in another, more stable container, such as a milk crate. Propane tanks should also not be stored in direct sunlight and at temperatures below 120 degrees Fahrenheit and above minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is also a great way to transport your propane tank for disposal or replacement. If you have to put the tank in your vehicle, make sure the valve is completely closed, crack the windows, and even wear a seat belt to keep it from moving while driving.

Propane is a commonly used fuel source, so it’s important to know how to properly use, store, transport, and dispose of it when the time comes. This is both for your safety and the safety of those around you.