What to Do With Old Propane Tanks

Do you have one or more old propane tanks lying around your home or workplace? Consisting of pressurized liquid natural gas, they are commonly used in heating systems, machinery and appliances. Natural gas is flammable. When exposed to a flame, it will ignite. Since they may contain pressurized gas, though, you can't just throw your old propane tanks away in the trash.

Reuse Them

You can always reuse your old propane tanks. Assuming a propane tank is still intact and doesn't show any signs of corrosion or damage, reusing it is a viable option. You just need to get the propane tank refilled, after which you can use it again. 

The cost of refilling a propane tank can range from $30 to over $1,000 depending on the size. Natural gas prices, of course, fluctuate from day to day as well. If you have a small propane tank, however, you can typically refill it without spending a fortune. Larger propane tanks, on the other hand, cost more to refill.

Give to a Propane Supplier

Even if you don't want to reuse your old propane tanks, you can give them to a propane suppliers. Most propane suppliers will gladly accept old propane tanks. They may inspect the propane tanks first. As long as the propane tanks aren't damaged, the propane suppliers will typically accept them.

Some propane suppliers may even purchase your old propane tanks. Regardless, if you want to get rid of your old propane tanks without reusing them, you can give them to a propane supplier.

Recycle Them 

Another option is to recycle your old propane tanks. You'll need to ensure that the propane tanks are completely empty, meaning they don't have any gas left in them. Next, take the propane tanks to a local scrap yard. Most propane tanks are made of steel or aluminum. Therefore, scrap yards will purchase them for their scrap steel or aluminum.

Contact the Fire Department

For damaged propane tanks, you should contact the fire department. Attempting to handle or transport a damaged propane tank is dangerous. There may still be some pressurized gas inside of it. And depending on the type of damage from which it's suffering, the propane tank may explode. Local fire department acknowledge the potential safety hazards associated with old, damaged propane tanks. By contacting your local fire department, they may offer to release or even dispose of your old propane tanks.