Don't ask me how but I accumulated 5, 20 lb propane tanks for use with grills. 3 are in use for the grill, spare and a propane fire pit. Two are WAY old and I want to get rid of them responsibly. I know about the technique to trade them for a new(er) propane tank but I don't need 5. I have called Amerigas, recycling places and hazardous waste events but no one wants them. I want to dispose of them responsibly and I am will to pay a reasonable amount.
Has anyone had success in disposing of these critters?
around here you leave them at the curb and they disappear.
July 22, 2026, 03:25 PM
WaterburyBob
I get my 20 lb tanks filled at a dealer that sells home/business (large tank) propane. They take old tanks, but they do charge a small fee for recycling.
"If Gun Control worked, Chicago would look like Mayberry, not Thunderdome" - Cam Edwards
July 22, 2026, 04:24 PM
.38supersig
Do you have a Desert Eagle?
July 22, 2026, 04:45 PM
sigarmsp226
Our local Wal-Mart has a Blue Rhino self serve tank exchange kiosk and the Blue Rhino driver told me that he regularly has expired bottles sitting off to the side of his kiosk that he takes back for recertification or scrapping.
Might be an option for you to consider.
July 22, 2026, 05:17 PM
jed7s9b
I had a very old one that was thicker than the modern tanks. No longer fillable. I shot it several times with 45 ACP hardball and never punctured it. The AR easily ventilated it. I let it sit for weeks then sliced it in half with a sawzall for the trash. With curiosity now satisfied I will abandon any other tanks at the Rhino rack.
“That’s what.” - She
July 22, 2026, 06:38 PM
Tuckerrnr1
Can you still get a kit to convert them into a portable air tank?
_____________________________________________ I may be a bad person, but at least I use my turn signal.
July 22, 2026, 06:50 PM
wrightd
Is it safe to unscrew the valve assembly ? I wouldn't have heartburn pitching a an empty tank in the can that was completely open and ventillated where the valve used to occupy.
From the link a poster provided above, it said you can buy a propane tank puncture tool, so maybe it can be emptied safely using such a tool. I dunno.
Lover of the US Constitution Wile E. Coyote School of DIY Disaster
July 22, 2026, 07:18 PM
chellim1
quote:
3 are in use for the grill, spare and a propane fire pit. Two are WAY old and I want to get rid of them responsibly. I know about the technique to trade them for a new(er) propane tank but I don't need 5.
If you exchange rather than refill, I would exchange the two old tanks next time. When you have current tanks, give them away. I'd be happy to have them as I refill my tanks. Your friends and neighbors would probably be happy to have them.
"Some things are apparent. Where government moves in, community retreats, civil society disintegrates and our ability to control our own destiny atrophies. The result is: families under siege; war in the streets; unapologetic expropriation of property; the precipitous decline of the rule of law; the rapid rise of corruption; the loss of civility and the triumph of deceit. The result is a debased, debauched culture which finds moral depravity entertaining and virtue contemptible." -- Justice Janice Rogers Brown
"The United States government is the largest criminal enterprise on earth." -rduckwor
July 22, 2026, 08:05 PM
OKCGene
They make great Halloween decorations.
Google “old propane tanks made into Halloween decorations” for all kinds of ideas.
Here’s one way:
July 22, 2026, 08:11 PM
Gustofer
quote:
Originally posted by SPWAMike0317: ... but I don't need 5.
Until you do.
I'd find a way to trade them for some newer ones and just tuck them away for a rainy day.
________________________________________________________ It is long past time for a Convention of States. The Founding Fathers gave us this tool to fix an out of control government and we need to use it.
July 22, 2026, 08:29 PM
400m
300 Win Mag and some road flares.
July 22, 2026, 09:25 PM
Bassamatic
6.5 Creedmore...200 yards.
.....never marry a woman who is mean to your waitress.
July 22, 2026, 09:30 PM
P250UA5
quote:
Originally posted by Gustofer:
quote:
Originally posted by SPWAMike0317: ... but I don't need 5.
Until you do.
I'd find a way to trade them for some newer ones and just tuck them away for a rainy day.
This was my thought. Are they too bad to do an exchange?
The Enemy's gate is down.
July 22, 2026, 10:24 PM
HRK
quote:
Originally posted by Gustofer:
quote:
Originally posted by SPWAMike0317: ... but I don't need 5.
Until you do.
I'd find a way to trade them for some newer ones and just tuck them away for a rainy day.
Yep, if you have a generator, convert it to LP and then you have plenty of juice to run it....
Hank says propane is a life saver!
July 22, 2026, 10:26 PM
FenderBender
trade for new and give them away.
_____________________________________________ Proverbs 3:31 "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways."
July 23, 2026, 05:18 AM
Georgeair
Giving away to a friend is what I've done when moving. They appreciate it, I don't have to hassle with them.
You only have integrity once. - imprezaguy02
July 23, 2026, 05:47 AM
SPWAMike0317
Thanks for the responses. I believe I will go the Blue Rhino route and donate them to my Sportsman's Club.
Let me help you out. Which way did you come in?
July 23, 2026, 12:04 PM
StorminNormin
quote:
Originally posted by sigarmsp226: Our local Wal-Mart has a Blue Rhino self serve tank exchange kiosk and the Blue Rhino driver told me that he regularly has expired bottles sitting off to the side of his kiosk that he takes back for recertification or scrapping.
