Propane Tanks

Propane tanks should NEVER be placed in your curbside recycling.

Large Propane (Grill) Tanks
Retail 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 dispose of properly, take it to any Blue Rhino or Tank Traders location. The companies will collect the tank and refurbish it if possible, or, if the tank does not meet the company's safety and quality standards, they will recycle the tank. Any standard 20# grill tank is accepted, including other brands. Follow the instructions posted on the propane cage located outside the store. You can write “RECYCLE” on the tank.

Empty 20# propane cylinders can also be refilled or exchanged at some retail shops. Check with your preferred store for details.

Small Propane Tanks
Unfortunately, there are not many 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 have small propane tanks that are new or lightly used, consider donating them to a Scout troop, camping club, or other outdoor organization in your area. They may be able to use the fuel for their programs.

Residents with small propane tanks, empty or not, can contact the Solid Waste District to set up an appointment to bring them here for disposal. Contact Matt Walters at (216) 698-7595 or by email.

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. 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 bring them to us for disposal (by appointment) rather than throw them away. 

Other Tanks
Refrigerant gas, welding tanks, and medical cylinders should be disposed of or recycled through the company where it was purchased or received. Learn more about helium and oxygen tanks.

Local businesses that recycle tanks and other gas cylinders include Airgas. Contact the location closest to you. 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. For business locations, see the list of options below.
 

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Looking to recycle, donate, or dispose of other items? Use the dark blue 'What Do I Do With?' search bar at the top of every page of this website. Allow location services or use the city drop-down to find opportunities in your local area.