How To Dispose Of An Old Propane Tank (The Safe Way)

Your propane tank is empty after a summer full of barbecues and picnics. Time to toss it in the trash, right? Not so fast — even when empty, a propane tank doesn't belong in the garbage bin. It doesn't even belong in your curbside recycling bin. The best place to bring your empty propane tank is back to where you bought it in the first place, as the companies that provide propane typically have recycling or exchange programs. They'll handle safe disposal for you when there's no more propane coming out of the tank, and you can pick up a new one for the next round of outdoor fun.

So, why can't you chuck an empty tank in the bin? Propane tanks are under pressure, and can explode if exposed to heat or handled improperly. There's also the risk of the tank leaking if disposed of in your regular trash or recycling. When you bring your old propane tank to an exchange or recycling program, it goes to a facility where trained professionals ensure the tank is entirely empty. They then remove the valve and puncture the tank so it can't leak or explode when the material is recycled.

While it does involve an extra step — going back to the place of purchase or finding an exchange location near you — knowing how to dispose of your garbage properly is key to protecting yourself, your family, and everyone else. As you transport your empty tank back for recycling, be sure to follow a few safety tips, too. Keep the tank upright during the trip and make the drop off the first stop on your to-do list.

The fastest and safest way to recycle an empty propane tank is to bring it to an exchange program, usually available at a retailer that sells propane tanks, such as a hardware store, gas station, or supermarket. Exchange programs are brand agnostic, meaning you can recycle an AmeriGas tank with Blue Rhino and vice versa, so you don't have to bring the tank back to the exact place where you purchased it.

How you exchange or recycle the tank depends on the format. Some are set up as self-serve kiosks, allowing you to drop off an old tank and purchase a new one at any time or day. At grocery stores or big box stores, you may have to contact a store employee when dropping off a tank. Place your empty tank in the display outside the store, then head inside to let an employee know and to ask to purchase a new tank, if you'd like. Note that exchange and recycling programs may not accept very damaged or rusted tanks. If your propane tank has seen better days, contact your local sanitation company or municipality to find out the process for disposing of hazardous waste. 

Once you get the new tank home, keep it (and your house) safe by avoiding this common big mistake when storing propane — placing it in direct sunlight. Outdoor storage is ideal, but if you need to keep your tank indoors, choose a structure, like a shed or garage, that isn't attached to your home. Set the tank on the ground, rather than on a shelf.