As a homeowner, you have many things to consider getting rid of, and disposing of things the right way is important.
Items such as your 20 lb propane tank can’t be thrown away in the garbage can or put on the curb for special disposal.
Because they contain a gas that is highly-flammable, more cautious methods of propane tank disposal need to be used.
If you’ve never done so before, or if it’s been a while since you have, then you may not know/remember how to dispose of it correctly.
Fortunately, there are a few different ways you can do so. Here are a few guidelines for disposing of your propane tank.
1. Don’t Even Try to Throw It Away in the Trash
Propane tanks can’t be disposed of through your normal trash service. Your local trashman simply won’t pick it up when grabbing the rest of your trash.
If that’s not applicable to your city then most cities, such as Los Angeles, will organize an HHW/E-Waste collection event to safely dispose of your tanks.
2. Avoid Heat at All Costs
After you’ve determined that you’re going to dispose of your propane tank, you need to make sure to keep it out of the direct heat or sunlight.
Storing it in a place such as your garage (assuming it’s not mid-summer) would be ideal. There you can control the access to light and keep the tank at or below room temperature.
Read here for more helpful tips on safely storing propane tanks when they’re not in use.
3. Consider the Tank’s Color
Color plays a vital role in the safety of your propane tank. Its color should either be light or reflective color that pushes away the sun, rather than soaking it in.
Contrary to popular belief, they won’t explode as the movies would lead you to believe.
However, too much heat can cause the pressure to open the safety release valve and release the harmful propane into the air.
4. Remove Any Leftover Propane
Before you take the tank to the proper place to have it disposed of, you need to make sure it’s empty.
To do that, have an expert release the remaining propane gas from it to ensure it’s safe to get rid of.
Find a propane supplier in your area and ask them if they’re willing to remove the remaining propane for you.
They’ll be able to do it safely by depressurizing the entire tank. That way, you’re not inhaling any propane by doing it yourself.
5. Check to Make Sure the Valve Is Closed
Having an open valve, even when you believe the tank to be empty, is dangerous for a few reasons.
For one, any gas being released from an open valve is considered air pollution and harmful to you and your neighbors.
Second, it becomes a fire hazard to you and wherever the propane tank is being stored.
Always make sure that the valve is closed properly and you secure everything.
Even if your gas was emptied by the previously mentioned professional, never assume they’ve closed the valve. You’re better safe than sorry!
6. See if Your Tank Can Be Replaced
Before disposing of your tank, you’ll want to know what all of your options are with the company that you purchased the tank from.
Call them and see if they’ll refill the current gas tank that you have. Some companies have programs aimed at refilling instead of replacing.
If they won’t refill the tank, then ask if they will replace it for a fee. Ask what that price looks like and then weigh out if it makes sense for your situation.
7. Take it to a Collection Event/Site
After you know your options for getting the tank replaced, it’s time to dispose of the tank entirely.
Your best options are dropping it off at either the aforementioned collection event that most cities will put on or at a designated collection site.
Either way is a great option to ensure you’re disposing of your propane tanks in the safest and most environmentally responsible manner possible.
8. If All Else Fails, Scrap It
If you can’t seem to find a collection event or collection site anywhere near your residence, then there’s one more option.
After you’ve had the gas removed by a professional, you can dispose of it at a scrap metal yard.
While most will gladly take it off your hands, be sure to reach out and make sure yours will take the tank prior to you driving it over there to them.
Use Best Practices with Your Propane Tank Disposal
Now that you’ve seen all the necessary measures of performing your propane tank disposal correctly, you should know there’s one more option.
Be sure to read this page on how a propane delivery service can help you never have to worry about disposing of one by yourself ever again.
For more inquiries, please reach out via our contact page and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you further.
FAQs
Can I throw an old propane tank in regular household trash?
No. You should never dispose of propane tanks as regular household trash.
Because they contain flammable gas, local waste services typically will not pick them up.
Instead, look for hazardous waste collection events, transfer stations, or locations that accept propane tanks for safe disposal.
How should I prepare a propane tank before disposal?
Before disposing of a propane tank, first ensure all remaining gas is safely removed by a professional.
Then double-check that the valve is fully closed. Keep the tank in a cool, shaded area and away from heat sources, and do not expose it to direct sunlight to avoid increased pressure.
What are the best options to dispose of a propane tank responsibly?
You have several responsible disposal options.
You can drop off the tank at a local collection event or hazardous waste site; contact your propane supplier to see if they’ll take or replace the tank; or, if necessary, take it to a scrap metal yard after ensuring it’s empty and the valve is closed.