How to properly dispose of old LP tank?

Richard · Dec 22, 2010

I've got a 100lb propane tank. Took it to get filled the other day for the first time this winter.

Guy said the tank expired 2 months prior and they couldn't fill it.

Bummer for me because had I filled it in fall like I normally do it would be sitting full as a reserve tank to be used up at the end of winter.

So, be it as it may... now I have this expired tank.

Where does one properly dispose of this? I could see some places not wanting it for fear of it having some propane in it and exploding.

jlsmith · Dec 22, 2010

Richard said:
I've got a 100lb propane tank. Took it to get filled the other day for the first time this winter.

Guy said the tank expired 2 months prior and they couldn't fill it.

Bummer for me because had I filled it in fall like I normally do it would be sitting full as a reserve tank to be used up at the end of winter.

So, be it as it may... now I have this expired tank.

Where does one properly dispose of this? I could see some places not wanting it for fear of it having some propane in it and exploding.

Turn it into a BBQ pit. It would make a great one. If I lived closer i would come get it lol:thumbsup:

Larry Caldwell · Dec 22, 2010

You don't have to dispose of it, just get it recertified. They do a hydro test on the tank to make sure it doesn't leak and won't rupture, and the tank is good for years again. Any propane or welding supply outfit should be able to point you in the right direction.

MicroPilot · Dec 22, 2010

Apply lots of .223 and .308 from a safe distance, then crush with the tractor and haul to scrap yard.

Bartcephus · Dec 22, 2010

Recertification around here is only $1.00 and will certify it for 4 more years. A reputable propane place can recertify them within minutes. I have two that I was told will need recertification. Once done, they put a recertification label on it and you are good to go. Don't trash it unless they say it can't be recertified.

Richard · Dec 22, 2010

wow, I had NO clue about recertification!

I was preparing to replace them both (I've got two 100 lb tanks) and that would have been about $300.

Thanks!!

If they are recertifiable then I've just saved some cash and if they are not then I've lost nothing.

There is a major LP place downtown that could probably do it (other than the issue of carting this tank down their and having to borrow a truck)

:thumbsup:

Larry Caldwell · Dec 22, 2010

Bartcephus said:
Recertification around here is only $1.00 and will certify it for 4 more years. A reputable propane place can recertify them within minutes. I have two that I was told will need recertification. Once done, they put a recertification label on it and you are good to go. Don't trash it unless they say it can't be recertified.

I suspect the $1.00 is if you refill it with their propane.

Also, depending on the vintage of the tank, recertification may require testing that takes more than a few minutes.

Recertification is also a good time to refurbish the outside of the tank. Buff off the rust spots and give it a new coat of Rustoleum. If you turn it over and blow off the last bit of popane, it will vent any water that found its way into the tank. You have to turn it over to paint the bottom anyway.

Jstpssng · Dec 22, 2010

If it turns out to be no good simply open the valve & cut it off (preferably with a hacksaw, not a torch).

Along with BBQ grills I've seen thse welded together for culverts & garage chimneys.
Worse case scenario just paint "free" on it and leave it at the end of your driveway. It's worth a few dollars for scrap.

studor · Dec 23, 2010

Sometimes they will exchange it for another recertified tank and give you a freshly painted one or they will "refurbish" for a nominal fee as well. Failing all that, a large caliber tracer round through it when it is set on a beaver dam you want to remove is spectacular:thumbsup::thumbsup: