Propane Gas Tank Disposal

Propane gas cylinders are used to fuel items including gas grills, torches, and camping equipment such as stoves, lanterns, and heaters. Propane cylinders are either single-use or refillable.

Propane is flammable and explosive. Do not put a propane tank in the garbage.
An empty tank still contains a small amount of propane gas, and may explode in a garbage truck or when the garbage is processed. Propane tanks in garbage are a safety hazard to people and can damage equipment.

Most scrap metal yards will not accept intact propane tanks, even if they are empty.

Take unusable or unwanted propane tanks (single-use or refillable) to a propane marketer, pressurized gas retailer, or gas service company.

Propane disposal links:

• Earth 911 article: Propane in the Neck
• Propane Tank Disposal 101
• Blue Rhino Recycle Program
• Propane Safety Information 

Local companies that will accept 20-pound refillable Propane Cylinders for disposal
(as of October 2008)

For more information contact the Albuquerque Environmental Health Department at (505) 768-2738.