Propane Tanks
In-home
Propane tanks should NEVER be placed in your curbside recycling.
Large Propane (Grill) Tanks
Blue Rhino locations offer a free recycling program for 20# grill tanks. If you have a gas grill propane tank that you no longer need and would like to recycle, write “RECYCLE” on the tank and take it to any Blue Rhino location. Blue Rhino will collect the tank and refurbish it if possible. If the tank does not meet the company's safety and quality standards, they will recycle the tank. Blue Rhino will accept any standard gas grill tank, including other brands. Find a location.
20# propane cylinders can also be exchanged for free at the store where you purchase your new tank. Check with your local retailer for details.
Small Propane Tanks
Unfortunately, there are no good disposal options for small propane or butane canisters for a camp stove, lantern or torch (usually 2# or less). The canisters are non-refillable and most scrap metal yards will not accept them for recycling.
If you are 110% sure the canister is empty of all material, it can be discarded in the trash. Make sure the canister is empty by attaching it to the device it is used with and allowing the gas to run until it's gone. Or use a special tool to decompress the item and make sure all of the gas is released. Small propane cylinders and flammable canisters are responsible for many truck fires each year. If there’s a chance there is still some gas in the canister, it is a fire hazard and can explode when compressed. Due to the risk, the District prefers that consumers keep or hold canisters until a better solution is developed.
UPCOMING COLLECTION EVENT: The Solid Waste District will host an amnesty recycling event for small propane tanks at our facility on June 4, 2022 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Small propane tanks, including camp stove, lantern or torch tanks (usually 2# or less), will be accepted from residents of Cuyahoga County. Tanks from businesses, grill tanks, helium tanks, oxygen cylinders, welding tanks, refrigerant and other cylinders will not be accepted. Contact us for more details. The Solid Waste District is located at 4750 East 131 Street in Garfield Heights (map).
Other Tanks
Refrigerant gas, welding tanks and medical cylinders should be disposed or recycled through the company it was purchased or received from. Learn more about helium and oxygen tanks.
Local businesses that recycle tanks and other gas cylinders includes Air Gas Great Lakes (216) 241-1696. You may also be able to recycle empty tanks at a scrap metal yard.
Businesses must contract with a licensed environmental services company for proper disposal or recycling. See our Business Recycling Directory.