Proper Propane Tank Storage and Disposal

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Tracy Beard / Monday July 3, 2023

Introduction

Grilling season is right around the corner, which makes now the perfect time to review some safety tips for handling and storing your grill’s propane tanks. To ensure your next cookout is safe and successful, always store your propane tank properly. Check it well ahead of time to make sure it’s set to go and dispose of it properly once it’s empty.

Have an empty or damaged tank and aren’t sure what to do with it? Or maybe you just want to know what to do with that cylinder between grilling sessions? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Today, AppliancePartsPros.com is walking you through proper propane tank storage and disposal. Keep reading to get some useful tips that’ll give you a few less reasons to sweat this summer.

The Basics: Proper Propane Tank Storage & Care

Propane tanks are durable and safe to use, but that doesn’t mean you can skimp on safety measures when it comes to storage and use. Even if your tank is empty, you should still follow these basic propane tank storage safety tips:

• Before putting your propane tank away, make sure the valve is in the OFF position. Inspect valves and indicators before each use, as well.
  
• Propane tanks should be stored in an upright position, never upside down or on their sides.
  
• Store your propane tank in a shaded, well-ventilated area. It doesn’t necessarily need to be protected from the elements – although this can help stave off corrosion – but it does need to be kept out of direct sunlight. An ideal spot for propane tank storage is in a shed not attached to your home.
  
• Propane tanks should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 120 °F (49 °C) or lower than -40 °F (-40 °C).
  
• Don’t store your propane tank in your home. Except in instances of extreme weather, it’s perfectly safe to store your propane tank outside.
  
• Avoid storing your propane tank in your vehicle for extended periods, particularly during summer. Vehicle temperatures can rise significantly higher than the ambient air temperature, posing potential risks.
• If you are using a propane tank for a boat, camper, or other mobile living space, it is crucial to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Additionally, make sure to test them regularly to ensure they are in good working order.

How To Tell if a Propane Tank Is Empty

Here are a few ways to check your propane tank for fuel:

• Use a gauge if you have one. You’ll get the most exact measurement with a propane tank gauge!
  
• Weigh the tank. Your propane tank will have a tare weight (the weight of the tank when it’s empty) printed on the collar – this number is usually preceded or followed by the letters ‘TW’. Weigh the tank. The difference between the weight you get and the tare weight is how much propane you have left.
  
• Use hot water. Get a glass of hot (not scalding, just more than warm) water and pour it down the side of the tank. Then, run your hand over the tank. The point where there is propane left will be cooler than the rest of the tank.

How To Properly Dispose of a Propane Tank

The hardest part of getting rid of an empty or damaged propane tank is just figuring out where to take it. Keep these tips in mind as you get ready to swap out or dispose of your propane tank:

• Big box stores selling propane can take old tanks at little or no cost, and may offer a discount if you buy a replacement tank at the same time. They likely refill and resell old propane tanks if they sell them new, either inside or outside their store. If you aren’t sure, call ahead to get details. Some stores may have special rules – like only taking propane tanks in their garden center or at their return desk.
  
• Get in touch with a propane dealer to replace or refill your tank. If they can’t refill in your area, they’ll direct you toward an authorized exchange nearby.
  
• If you have a small propane cylinder (under 5 lbs), take it to a hazardous waste collection site. Portable heaters and camping grills with small tanks can be safely disposed of at hazardous waste collection sites.
  
• Do not dispose of a tank as though it’s ordinary garbage. Propane tanks are pressurized, high heat sensitive, and can potentially explode when compressed – for example, in a garbage truck. Never dispose of an empty propane cylinder in the trash and don’t leave it curbside. Your local sanitation workers may not even collect the tank, leaving it to sit in the sun, posing a hazard.
  
  • Some municipalities will take tanks under 2 lbs. Check with local waste pick up services to be sure!
    
• Keep your tank out of direct sunlight and heated spaces. Your propane tank should not exceed 120 °F – a temperature it can potentially reach if left in a parked car, dumpster, or direct sunlight.

Propane FAQs: A Few More Things You Should Know

Before we wrap up, let’s answer a few common questions about propane tank care and disposal.

Where can I get my propane tank recertified?

If you’re not just trading a tank in at a local store, you can get propane tanks tested and recertified at most propane dealers in your area. Keep in mind that, for home use, propane tank recertification is likely going to be a little more expensive than just trading in your old tank and picking up a new one from a local seller or big box store.

Did you know that your propane tank can expire?

It is important to note that the expiration pertains to the tank itself, not the propane it contains. If a tank has deteriorated to an unsafe condition, it should be inspected and replaced accordingly. Luckily, propane tanks last a long time, and they don’t need to be requalified all that often.

Typically, the sort of tank you’d use at home is good for 10 to 12 years from the date of manufacture, but you should check regulations in your city and state to see if they differ. After a tank has expired, it needs to either be replaced or requalified – tested and recertified by an expert. Requalification extends the usability of a tank by five more years.

You can track down a propane tank’s manufacturing date by checking the collar. You’re looking for a set of four numbers, typically separated by a dash, space, or slash. These numbers are in month-year format. To get the expiration date, add 10 years to that second set of numbers. If you see an E or an H next to the manufacture date, that means the tank has already been recertified. In this case, you can add five years onto whatever the expiration date would have been ordinarily.

When should I replace, rather than refill, a propane tank?

Before you use it, you should inspect your propane tank thoroughly. While it’s not unusual to see some standard wear and tear on a tank that’s been stored outside, there are a few things to watch out for that mean you should properly dispose of that tank ASAP:

• Has it been exposed to excessive heat (over 120 °F) or cold (under -40 °F)? If so, it should at least be tested by an expert.
  
• Missing or damaged parts – like the valve or collar.
  
• Rust, dents, cracks, and other significant damage mean it’s time to get a replacement.
  
• Soot, scorching, or other signs of fire or heat damage.
  
• Signs of leaks anywhere on the tank. To check for leaks, pour warm, soapy water (dish soap is fine!) over the top of the tank and watch for bubbling. If you see sputtering or bubbles, there’s a leak.
  
• The tank is past its expiration date, especially if it’s passed the recertification expiration date.

Wrapping Up

Nice job getting prepped for grilling and camping season a little early! We hope this guide has given you some useful tips and pointed you in the right direction to get that old tank swapped out for a new one. If you have any questions not answered by this guide or just want to tackle more DIY tasks around the home, why not check out our blog? Need a part for a piece of lawn equipment or an appliance? We can help there, too! Head on over to our main site to get a great deal on OEM parts from all major appliance brands.

The next time you need help at home, keep AppliancePartsPros.com in mind. We’re happy to help you fix and maintain everything around your home!