How to Dispose of a Propane Tank Properly
Don’t let getting rid of one of these turn into a hot mess
With barbecue season in full swing, you’ve probably spent a fair amount of time with your trusty, old propane tank. And if it’s no longer performing as well or looking as good as when you first got it, you might also be thinking about throwing it out. Because propane is highly flammable, anything it comes into contact with, including its container, must be disposed of carefully.
The following guide will show you how to dispose of a propane tank in multiple ways, from recycling to exchanging it for a new one.
What Is a Propane Tank Used For?
Although propane tanks are perhaps most commonly associated with grilling, that’s not all they’re good for. They’re often used for a wide range of household affairs, from heating your space to lighting up your stovetop.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Propane Tanks Removed?
The cost of junk removal, like when you’re disposing of hazardous waste, can range from $5 to $100, depending on what you’re getting rid of. Cans of latex paint will be on the low end of that range, while the refrigerant found in your appliances makes up the higher end. Contact a local waste removal professional to find out exactly what you’d pay to have your propane tank thrown out for you.
When to Dispose of Propane Tanks
You’ll know it’s time to bid adieu to a propane tank when it’s leaking, excessively rusty, dented, or corroded or if any accessories like handles, valves, or dials are no longer working. It usually takes a while to get to this point—underground propane tanks typically last between 20 and 30 years, while aboveground ones go even longer with proper care.
How to Dispose of Propane Tanks
Much like disposing of gas, propane tanks can’t simply be thrown in the bin. Once they’re past the point of no return, they’re impossible to repair or salvage for future use. Instead, use one of the following methods to get rid of the old before you bring in the new.
1. Exchange It
If your propane tank is up in years but still in working order, exchange it for a new one at a nearby supermarket, hardware store, or gas station. The longer you wait, the more likely irreparable damages are to occur, so do this sooner rather than later. Once the tank becomes unusable, you won’t be able to cash it in for a new model any longer.
2. Recycle It
You can’t recycle propane tanks with your usual recyclables because they may still contain trace amounts of propane that can pose hazards. Instead, check with your local propane supplier or hardware store to find out if they’ll accept old propane tanks for recycling. In most cases, they will because they have the proper tools to fully remove the contents and often have close contact with the right recycling facilities. In the event that your local supplier doesn’t take back tanks, you can contact your recycling center directly to arrange pick-up or drop-off.
3. Drop It Off at a Hazardous Waste Collection Site
If you’re struggling to find someone who will accept your old tank for recycling, your last option is to find a hazardous waste collection program that will take it off your hands. Throwing it into your household garbage is not an option because of the hazardous nature of propane, and doing so may result in fines or environmental damage.
To schedule a pick-up or drop-off, find a hazardous waste collection program near you using the Environmental Protection Agency’s search engine. You can also contact your local government official and ask them to point you in the right direction.
Before reserving or dropping anything off, check the program’s website or call them to find out how to package the propane tank for travel and processing—and whether or not they’ll accept it in the first place. They most likely will take it off your hands, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
3 Tips to Extend Your Propane Tank’s Life Span
Use the following tricks to ensure your propane tank lives up to its full potential rather than falling victim to damages earlier on.
1. Store It Upright in a Well-Ventilated Space
Propane tanks should never be kept in an enclosed space because they can pose safety risks if they start to leak. For this same reason, it’s better to keep them upright to ensure that no propane exits the tank, even if the lid isn’t fully secured.
2. Keep It Away From Extreme Temperatures
Propane is highly flammable, so avoid storing spare tanks close to any major heat sources like your boiler. It is safe to use a propane tank at low temperatures, but increased exposure to humidity and frost can lead to premature rusting.
3. Check Regularly for Leaks and Erosion
Regular propane tank inspections are a good way to keep damages at bay. But the rate at which you’ll need to do them depends on the age of the tank. For example, fully inspect newer propane tanks once every six months, plus an extra look here and there with increased use.
Older tanks should be checked once a month. Damages are more likely to occur out of the blue when the tank is up in years. Checking so often might seem excessive, but it’ll help you spot any leaks (and prevent related hazards) as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Propane tanks should be stored in a secure but not enclosed space. Ventilation is a good way to prevent gas build-ups in case of leaks, so try to store your tank in a place where all of that is possible. It’s best to keep your propane tanks upright and off the ground to limit exposure to the elements and prevent leaks.
The easiest way to empty a propane tank is to simply use it until no propane remains. If you’re short on time and need a faster solution, transfer the propane to another tank instead. Wear leather gloves to protect your hands, then connect the hoses from both propane tanks and seal them tightly. Turn the knob to open the supply tank valve on the full tank and let it run until the pressure pushes all the propane into the other tank. When all propane is transferred, remove the hose and seal each tank.
Yes, you can store a propane tank, whether it is full or empty. Remember that the container is contaminated with hazardous materials once it has housed propane, but as long as it’s properly placed in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled space, a tank is unlikely to cause issues whether it is full of propane or not.