How to Dispose of Propane Tanks From Gas Grills

On September 30 1998, the National Fire Protection Association enacted ordinance NFPA 58 of the LP-Gas Code, which mandated that all new propane tanks between 4 and 40 pounds be equipped with an overflow protection valve. In 2001 it amended the code, requiring that by April of 2002 all pre-1998 tanks be retrofitted with OPD valves. States adopted the 2001 edition of NFPA 58 LP Code as law. As a result, tanks that do not have the OPD cannot legally be refilled once empty. Safe disposal of old tanks is important for both the environment and for grill owners.

• 1

  Call a local propane dealer and ask if they will accept your tank in exchange for a new tank. Be aware that the exchange price for a tank with the old valve style is higher than the exchange rate for a post-1998 tank.

• 2

  Ask if your old tank can be fitted with a new valve and refilled. Once upgraded, the tank can be returned to any propane tank exchange.

• 3

  Recycle canisters that cannot be refurbished. Open the valve on the tank to ensure there is no propane remaining in the tank before transporting it. Take the tank to a local metal recycling center. The recycling center will pay you for your tank according to the tank's weight. Many recycling centers will require that the valve be removed completely before recycling it.