How to Safely Dispose of an Old or Broken Propane Tank
Propane is used in many ways, from heating homes to helping prepare the perfect meal on your roast. Like their uses, propane tanks come in many shapes and sizes. The most common are the 20- and 15-pound tanks used for outdoor cooking And patio heaters.
While most of these smaller portable tanks will be exchanged for a new full tank at local retailers, that is not always the case. Sometimes you may have upgraded from a gas grill to a grain model of charcoal grill and you no longer need the tank. At that point you have to decide what to do with a cylinder containing a highly flammable substance.
Don’t worry. Here are the options you have to dispose of your propane tank safely and properly.
How to Properly Dispose of a Propane Tank
Here you see two propane tanks used by the Flaming Lotus Girls for the art collective’s Soma project, which uses both fire and LED lights for effect.
While the tank may no longer be of use 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 your garbage service not pick it up, but it is also very dangerous to leave it on the side of the road.
An easy way to get rid of that propane tank is to ask your friends who might have some use for it. You can sell it to them for less than buying a new tank, which can easily cost over $60, you can trade it for something you want from them, or just be cool and give it to them. But if you’d rather go a different route or don’t know anyone who wants it, there are other options.
Find a location for exchanging propane tanks
There are many propane trade-in locations where you can get a new propane tank or dispose of unwanted tanks.
The two most common interchangeable marks are Blue rhinoceros And Americansand these exchange locations can be found at many gas stations, grocery stores, and other large retail stores. They are called exchange locations because when you use up all the propane in your grill tank, you usually trade in your old tank for a new full tank at a discount on the purchase of a brand new one.
If you no longer need the tank, simply write “recycle” on the side of the tank and drop it. This is also the solution for a damaged tank.
Aside from the fact that you no longer want the tank or need to return it due to damage, propane tanks must be recertified 12 years after the date of manufacture. This date is stamped into the handle of the tank. After that, recertification must be done every five years. So if your tanks meet that criteria, write “recycle” on them and take them to a trade-in location. If you have a local propane distributor, you can do this through that location as well.
Go local
Propane tanks must be recertified 12 years from the date of manufacture and every five years thereafter.
If you can’t find a currency exchange near you or would prefer to take a more official route, you can contact your local hazardous waste office or public works department. Both of these agencies can help you dispose of your tank or help you find a place to dispose of it. These options are generally free or cost a nominal fee.
These options are also the go-to place for the disposal of the smaller 1 pound tanks that many portable and camping grills use. In addition, you can also go here, in addition to a local propane distributor, for the disposal of larger tanks over 20 pounds.
Safe storage and transport
Milk crates make great holders for propane tanks, keeping them upright and easier to transport.
Remember, these metal tanks contain a highly flammable liquid — propane, yes, in liquid form. Even if your grill no longer ignites from the “empty” propane tank, there may still be traces of the fuel in there, which can be dangerous.
It is important to always store your propane tanks upright. A good way to prevent a tank from accidentally tipping over is to store it in another, more stable container, such as a milk crate. Propane tanks should also never be stored in direct sunlight and should be stored at temperatures below 120 degrees Fahrenheit and above minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is also a great way to transport your propane tank for removal or exchange. If you need to put the tank in your vehicle, make sure the hatch is fully closed, roll down the windows, and even put your seatbelt on to keep the tank from moving while you are driving.
Propane is a widely used fuel source, so it is important to know how to use, store, transport, and dispose of it properly when the time comes. This is both safe for you and those around you.
