How to dispose of a propane tank
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20-lb BBQ propane tank (the standard size)
The easiest path: every gas station, grocery store propane cage, U-Haul, ACE Hardware, and most home- improvement stores participate in Blue Rhino or AmeriGas exchange. Drop off your tank (it does not need to be empty), pay the exchange fee (around $25-30), and get a full one back. Even if your tank is dented, expired, or you just want it gone, exchange centers will take damaged tanks for free. It counts as "junk", and they handle the disposal.
1-lb camping propane cylinders (Coleman, etc)
Small green camping cylinders are not trash-safe, and tank exchange programs will not take them either. The pressurized residual gas combined with the small steel construction makes them a real explosion hazard in a trash truck. Every county HHW program accepts them free of charge. Some camping stores (REI in some markets) accept them too.
Expired 20-lb tank (DOT date 12+ years old)
Federal DOT requires propane tanks to be recertified every 12 years. The recertification stamp date is on the tank collar. Once past 12 years, refill stations will not fill them. Exchange programs (Blue Rhino, AmeriGas) accept them as turn-ins. Recertification is possible but usually costs $20-30, similar to just exchanging.
Rusted, dented, or damaged tank
Damaged tanks cannot be refilled, but they can be retired. Blue Rhino's exchange program accepts damaged tanks for free (you do not need to pay the exchange fee if you are not getting a full tank in return). County HHW also accepts damaged propane tanks.
Large tanks (30-lb, 40-lb, 100-lb residential)
Anything bigger than the standard 20-lb BBQ tank should go back to a licensed propane dealer (the company you bought it from, or any local propane supplier). Most will pick up. Do not take 100-lb tanks to consumer exchange centers or HHW. They are commercial-grade and need specialist handling.
Step-by-step
- 1. Identify the size. A 1-lb camping cylinder goes to HHW. A 20-lb BBQ tank goes to an exchange center. 30+ lb goes back to a propane dealer.
- 2. Close the valve. Turn the valve clockwise until tight. Leave any plastic cap or guard on.
- 3. Transport upright. Never lay a propane tank on its side in a vehicle. The relief valve can vent gas. Secure it upright in the trunk or truck bed.
- 4. Ventilate. Crack the windows during transport. Do not smoke or run heat in the area where the tank is.
- 5. Drop off. Tank exchange for 20-lb. HHW for 1-lb cylinders and small damaged tanks. Propane dealer for 30+ lb.
- 6. Look up your local option. Try /check with your ZIP for the verified nearest site.
Frequently asked
Can I throw a propane tank in the trash?
Never. Propane tanks (even "empty") contain residual flammable gas under pressure. A crushed tank in a trash truck can explode and has injured multiple sanitation workers in the past decade. Tank exchange or HHW only.
Does my 20-lb tank have to be empty?
No. Tank exchange programs (Blue Rhino, AmeriGas) accept tanks at any fill level. You pay the same exchange fee whether the tank is empty or partly full. For HHW drop-off, also no. Bring it as-is.
How much does propane tank exchange cost?
A standard 20-lb tank exchange runs $25-30 at most gas stations, grocery stores, U-Haul, and ACE Hardware. Refilling at a propane dealer is typically cheaper per gallon ($15-20), but it requires going to a dedicated propane shop. Exchange is more convenient. Refilling is cheaper long-term.
What do I do with a 1-lb green camping cylinder?
County HHW is the answer. These small cylinders are not trash-safe and not accepted by tank exchange programs. Some camping retailers (REI in some markets) participate in cylinder take-back programs. Never recycle or trash a 1-lb propane cylinder.
My 20-lb tank is expired (12+ years old). What now?
Tank exchange programs (Blue Rhino, AmeriGas) accept expired tanks as turn-ins. A propane dealer cannot refill them, but you can exchange them for a freshly-certified tank. Recertification is technically possible but usually costs $20-30, similar to exchanging.
What about a damaged or rusted tank?
Tank exchange accepts damaged tanks for free. You do not pay the exchange fee if you are not taking a full tank in return. Blue Rhino specifically advertises this. County HHW also accepts damaged tanks. Never refill a damaged tank.
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