If you live in the United States, you may already know the importance of propane tanks. Propane is widely used for cooking, heating, powering farms, etc. After natural gas and electricity, propane is the most used fuel by U.S residents. But most importantly, propane tanks are excellent for when you go camping. Using propane is easy, but recycling it can be challenging. Once your propane tanks are empty, you must decide whether to refill them or dispose of them. If your propane tank has dents and dings, it’s better to dispose of it. This article is the only step-by-step guide you will need that teaches you wow to dispose of a small propane tank. We will make getting rid of your propane tank a cakewalk.
To be more aware of the proper disposal of propane tanks, watch the following youtube video by Cylinder Recyclers.
Where to Dispose of a Small Propane Tank?
A small propane tank is the best tool to help you in a camp, especially for heating and insulation. To know the process of camp insulation, read “how to insulate your tent during the winter season.” After emptying the propane tank during camping, it’s essential to dispose of it because of its explosion hazard. We recommend the following methods. These methods will help you understand how to dispose of a small propane tank.
1. Trash disposal facility
If your tank is completely damaged, take it to the nearest trash disposal facility. Every country has many trash disposal facilities where you can dispose of your propane tank. However, they may charge some fees. Regardless this is the best method to get rid of a small propane tank.
This fee is not the same for every trash disposal facility. It varies from location to location and depends on the item you want to dump. The government uses this fee for the betterment of these trash disposal facilities.
Now the question arises, what do trash disposal facilities do with these propane tanks? These old and used propane tanks are taken to hazardous waste experts. They analyze it and make something useful out of it. In this way, it is recycled and utilized to build something new (that can also be a new propane tank). You can ensure that your old recyclable propane tanks do not wind up in a landfill by bringing them to your nearest trash facility.
If you don’t know the location of any trash facility near you, consult a map. You can also head to different websites and call to check their availability. Some trash facilities also provide home service ( they will come to your home to take your propane tank). Do not show laziness while disposing of it because it can cause a severe explosion.
2. Retailers
If the propane tank isn’t damaged, you can go for refilling it. If it is too old, you can also exchange it. Several retailers offer exchange incentives. You will get the new propane-filled tank in exchange for your old propane tank. You will not have to pay anything apart from the propane gas filled inside the tank. There are a few requirements for a propane tank to be eligible for exchange. Your propane tank must not contain dents and should be in working condition.
The brand of your propane tank doesn’t matter while exchanging it. You can exchange propane tanks of any brand at most retailers. The following is a list of well-known retailers in the United States where you may swap your empty propane tank.
Lakes Gas
Located at 48 locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and South Dakota, Lakes Gas provides unmatchable propane services. They also offer gifts to their regular customers.
RapidXchange
They specialize in fast and easy propane tank exchanges. They ensure quality, safety, and timely services. Using this platform, you can easily exchange your old propane tank with a new one.
AmeriGas
AmeriGas is famous for its nationwide propane services and online bill payment facility. You can access them from any part of the world and get your propane tank exchanged. You can also locate the nearest AmeriGas station from their website.
Walmart
Although it’s an online store, it provides admirable propane tank facilities. They accept propane tanks of any brand and provide you with their best propane tanks in exchange. You will get a propane-filled tank at the lowest price.
BlueRhino
BlueRhino is one of America’s leading propane brands. It operates in 17 markets nationwide. You just have to drop your propane tank at their location to get a brand new propane-filled BlueRhino tank.
The Home Depot
Another store where you can easily exchange your propane tank for getting a new one at a low cost. A convenient choice for many.
3. Garbage dump
If you don’t want to avail the options mentioned above, you can consider dumping your tank in the garbage. But the problem is that you can’t throw your propane tank in the trash until you are sure it is empty. Even with an empty tank, this option is horrible for the environment. You should always consider recycling instead of throwing your garbage in dumps.
How Can You Tell if a 1LB Propane Tank is Empty?
It is important to know if your 1lb propane tank is empty. Only then can you proceed to the guide on how to dispose of a small propane tank. Following are the three best ways to determine the amount of propane in your tank.
1. Hot water test
All you need is a glass of hot water to perform this method. Follow the steps explained below:
- Take hot water in a bucket or tub.
- Pour it on the propane cylinder.
- Move your hand on the cylinder to identify a cold spot.
The cold spot of the tank is the level of the propane gas in the tank. If the metal surface of the tank is hot from top to bottom, it means that the tank is empty. It is ready to be recycled.
2. By weight
Experience speaks for itself. If you have been using propane tanks for a while, you can probably tell their weight by lifting them. But obviously, we can not just rely on guesses.
The WC (water capacity) and TW (tare weight/empty tank weight) are mentioned on every propane tank. For a tank to be empty, its weight must equal the tare weight. Usually, a filled tank weighs about 37 pounds, while an empty tank weighs around 20 pounds.
3. Pressure Gauge
You can also consider buying a propane tank gauge to help you ensure that your tank is empty. A propane tank gauge tells the gas pressure inside the tank. It also indicates if there are any leakages. If you are looking to purchase the best-quality gauge, we recommend the following propane tank gauge.
How do you Empty a Camping Propane Tank?
You now know how to check if your propane tank is empty. Now it is time to learn how to empty a camping propane tank. Following are the two methods to empty propane tanks.
1. Burn the propane from a tank
A gas is only safe when it’s burning. You can take your propane tank to a professional to empty the tank. But if you do not want to, you can do the task yourself. Follow the steps mentioned below and ensure that you wear proper safety gear:
- If feasible, use an appliance with a visible flame.
- Connect your gas tank to a propane-fueled device.
- Turn on the device.
- Allow it to run until the flame is extinguished by itself.
- Even after emptying a propane tank, explosive gasses might still exist. This is why you should not remove the tank valve.
2. Transfer propane from a tank
The second way to empty a camping propane tank is to transfer propane from one tank to another. This method requires specialized equipment, as simply connecting two tanks using a pipe will not do the job. This method is not recommended for beginners. Leave it to the professionals.
You can learn more about how to empty a propane tank from the following youtube video by WSMatrix:
Are Small Propane Tanks Refillable?
Yes, you can refill your propane tanks. To refill a small propane tank yourself, you must take preventive measures. Wear work gloves and safety glasses. Perform this process outdoors, away from the camp or house. The tank must not be damaged or dented, or the refilling process can not occur.
How to Refill a Small Propane Tank
Pressure plays a crucial role in refilling a small propane tank. As we know, gases move from higher to lower pressure regions. When both tanks are connected, gas will move to the low-pressure tank from the higher pressure tank to equalize pressure. The high-pressure tank must be kept warm to increase its pressure.
For the next step, you will need a propane refill adapter. Connect it to the valve of the larger tank and turn to tighten it. Connect the other part of the propane refill adapter to the smaller tank. The propane refill adapter must be securely attached to the tanks.
After connecting both tanks, invert the whole setup. Now slowly open the valve of the larger tank. You will hear the propane transfer take place. Don’t interrupt the process so that maximum transfer takes place. When the sound of transfer stops, it indicates that the pressure in both tanks is equal. After completely transferring the gas, turn the tanks right-side up. Close the valve of the larger tank. Now remove the propane refill adapter, and the refill process will be complete!
Can an Empty Propane Tank Explode?
After learning how to dispose of a small propane tank, you must also learn the hazards related to propane tanks. So the question is, can an empty propane tank explode?
The answer is yes. It can explode but only in rare cases. The empty tank sucks in the air that contains oxygen. This oxygen facilitates combustion and can easily result in the tank exploding. An explosion will only occur if the valve is open or there is a leakage problem. A flame can ignite inside the tank, slowly gaining more air, and an explosion will be inevitable.
To save yourself from such incidents, close the valves and properly dispose of old propane tanks. Also, leave some propane in the tank to prevent explosions.
Conclusion
In this guide on how to dispose of a small propane tank, we learned many helpful things. Propane gas is most beneficial while camping. You can easily carry it along. Besides this, it is helpful for cooking and camp heating purposes. A propane tank is a treat to have over natural gas.
A propane tank with damages and dents will be at a higher risk of explosion. However, you must not release propane gas directly into the air. These tanks must be disposed of properly. Recycling is always better than adding to landfills.
You can save yourself from hazardous situations by taking preventative measures. Properly empty your propane tanks. Then dispose of them at the trash facility or exchange them at the nearest retailer.