Updated 2026-10-01
A propane tank never goes in the household trash, the recycling bin, or a dumpster, no matter how empty it feels. Pressurized cylinders cause fires and injuries at waste facilities, and most jurisdictions treat a tank in the trash as hazardous waste violation territory. The good news: the safe routes are easy and often free.
Route one: the exchange cage
If the tank is a standard twenty pound grill cylinder in decent shape, the simplest move is the exchange cage at nearly any hardware store, grocery store, or gas station. Swap it for a full one if you still grill, and if you do not, many exchange programs will take the empty off your hands. The tank reenters the refill cycle, which is the best outcome a cylinder can have.
Route two: the refill station that accepts surrenders
Propane dealers and refill stations often accept old cylinders, including expired ones that the exchange cages reject. Tanks carry a recertification date stamped on the collar, and a dealer can tell you in seconds whether yours is exchangeable, recertifiable, or at the end of the line.
Route three: household hazardous waste collection
Every county runs hazardous waste drop off days or permanent facilities, and pressurized cylinders are exactly what those programs exist for. Search your county name plus household hazardous waste for the schedule. Small one pound camping cylinders go the same route unless your area has a dedicated cylinder recycling program.
What about the grill itself?
The grill is the easy part. Grill removal through Mattress Disposal Plus is priced exactly at checkout, your Loader hauls the grill for metal recovery, and the one rule of the pickup is the point of this article: the tank stays behind for one of the routes above.
Price your grill pickup and handle the tank the right way.