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The Daily Insight

Where do you take expired propane tanks?

Author

Rachel Newton

Updated on May 08, 2026

Empty refillable and non-refillable propane tanks are accepted at most landfills and transfer stations for recycling as scrap metal. Never place a pressurized container in your garbage as they can cause explosions when compacted in collection trucks.

Similarly, what do you do with expired propane tanks?

If your refillable propane cylinder has expired, or is rusted, dented or otherwise damaged, it can no longer be filled. These cylinders must be requalified, or disposed of and recycled through the appropriate channels. Even when you think it is empty, a propane cylinder will still contain some residual propane.

Likewise, will Home Depot take old propane tanks? Most hardware stores including Home Depot permit you to exchange empty propane tanks for filled tanks. However, propane tanks are deemed hazardous waste and you can't drop off two or three for “recycling” like you can old electrical cords or toner cartridges.

Likewise, people ask, where do you find the expiration date on a propane tank?

A propane tank's date of manufacture or requalification date can be found stamped onto its collar. It will be in a month-year format — for instance, 06-17 for June 2017. Tanks that have been requalified will have an E on the end of the date.

Can you use expired propane?

Unlike fuel sources that can degrade over time (kerosene, diesel, gasoline), propane fuel has no expiration date, nor will its potency suffer while being stored.

Related Question Answers

Who takes expired propane tanks?

Propane Tanks. Many landfills, recycling centers, and scrap metal dealers cannot recycle unwanted tanks because of the residual propane inside. However, most propane exchange companies, including Blue Rhino, will take them and recycle them at no cost to you.

Does Blue Rhino take expired tanks?

Blue Rhino is giving customers expired tanks. Then when you are on vacation and try to refill them somewhere else you are SOOL. Blue Rhino also will occasionally install a proprietary valve that you can not fill at a normal fill station. and respraying older tanks.

How much does it cost to recertify a propane tank?

How Much Does Propane Tank Recertification Cost? Recertifying a propane tank costs around $35 to $60, depending on the pro doing the work. Once the unit reaches an expiration date (typically 12 years for the 15 to 20-lb ones), you must request an inspection before you can refill it.

Can you trade in an expired propane tank?

Exchange Your Expired Propane Tank. I always assumed that the propane tank exchange programs required having a tank from the same exchange company but that isn't true. They will take your existing tank or a competitors tank. Propane tanks expire in 10 years in Canada and 12 years in the US.

Can you get money for empty propane tanks?

You will only get the credit towards a full tank purchased if you bring an empty to the store for an exchange. It is higher if you just buy a full tank out right without an exchange . It doesn't matter if your tank is outdated since they just do the exchange for you.

Does Walmart recycle propane tanks?

Walmart. Will accept a propane tank of any brand that can be exchanged for the purchase of a new propane tank at a discounted price. Also accepts household and automotive batteries, printer cartridges, and cell phones for recycling.

Can I exchange any propane tank at Walmart?

Should You Exchange or Refill Your Propane Tank? The liquid propane tank that provides the gas to an outdoor gas grill can be purchased at any number of stores, including local hardware stores, larger grocery stores, big-box home improvement centers, and mass merchandise centers, such as Walmart or Costco.

How do I recertify my propane tank?

How to Recertify Propane Tanks
  1. Visit "Find a Propane Retailer" website. Locate a cylinder refill and repair location. Visit "Find a Propane Retailer" website.
  2. Cylinder refill and repair location. Contact the most convenient propane retailer from the locations results page.
  3. Have the tank re-certified for a fee. Take your tank to the propane retailer.

How long are 20 lb propane tanks good for?

12 years

How many years does a propane tank last?

about 18-20 hours

Do propane tanks explode?

Propane Explosions 101 Propane tanks do not explode. They do not implode and nor do they rupture or come apart on their own. In fact, bringing a propane tank to the point of "explosion" is a tremendously difficult and time consuming task that's not as simple as most people think.

How much is a propane tank at Home Depot?

$20 - $30 - Propane Tanks - Grilling Fuels - The Home Depot.

Do 1 lb propane tanks expire?

The propane can never go bad, only the container. Keep them rust free .

How often should you replace a propane tank?

It is between 10 and 12 years from the date of manufacture as seen on the handle of the tank – near where you find the tare weight. This depends on the legislations where you live.

Who recycles old propane tanks?

Propane Tanks. Many landfills, recycling centers, and scrap metal dealers cannot recycle unwanted tanks because of the residual propane inside. However, most propane exchange companies, including Blue Rhino, will take them and recycle them at no cost to you. Simply leave your empty beside a propane exchange display.

How much can I get for an empty propane tank?

You will likely pay more for the exchange, even if your tank is completely empty. An empty 20 lb tank will hold about 4.7 gallons of propane. That is $18.47 at $3.93 per gallon, which is the low quantity price (I just paid $3.44 per gallon when filling several tanks). The exchange is about the same price.

Where can I drop off used propane tanks?

Take your empty tank to a hazardous waste collection site. Contact your local government's sanitation department to find out if there are any hazardous waste collections near you. Most municipalities will accept propane tanks that are up to 5 pounds (2,300 g) at hazardous waste drop-off sites.

Who accepts old propane tanks?

Propane Tanks. However, most propane exchange companies, including Blue Rhino, will take them and recycle them at no cost to you. Simply leave your empty beside a propane exchange display. To find a Blue Rhino location near you, click here or call 800.258. 7466.

Can you refill 1lb propane cylinders?

Most people use the Pre-Filled Disposable 1 lb Propane Tanks but there are also Refillable 1 lb Propane Tank Empty Canister types. When you buy this type of tank, it is empty and you need to fill it with propane before you use it. It is intended to be refilled as you empty the tank.

Can you exchange a rusty propane tank?

The smaller tanks are hardly offered for exchange and filling them is usually costlier as you usually have to pay for the 20# charge. The danger of a badly rusted tank is that it may develop a leak and not that it will blow up like a grenade.

Does Tractor Supply recertify propane tanks?

Refilling your propane tank at your local Tractor Supply is convenient and economical: Sold by the gallon. Tractor Supply only charges for the fuel we put in your tank.

How long before Propane goes bad?

Large stationary propane tanks must be recertified 10 years after their date of manufacture and every five years following that. A propane delivery company can refuse to fill your tank if it is not certified or if it is rusted or in poor condition.

Are old propane tanks dangerous?

Over time, unused tanks can rust and become damaged. Sometimes their condition is so severe that they are not returnable. With the possibility of gas leaking it seems like an unnecessary risk to have around your home.

Is it cheaper to buy your own propane tank?

You can secure the least expensive fuel if you shop around in an area with options. But purchasing your own propane tank comes with all the trappings of ownership. That's because propane suppliers are often engaged in an autofill system with those using their tanks, providing a contract and price break in the process.

Is it cheaper to refill propane or exchange?

Advantages of Refilling a Propane Tank It is less expensive to refill a tank rather than exchanging. Some people have noticed they get more propane in the tank when they refill them than when using an exchange tank. At many exchange vendors, it seems to be policy to add only 15 pounds in a 20-pound tank.