How to Dispose of Your Propane Tank

Once you make the switch from a charcoal barbecue to the clean-burning convenience of a propane grill, you’ll probably find yourself spending more time cooking in the great outdoors – and using more propane gas in the process.

The good news is that exchanging or refilling a propane tank is super easy. But occasionally, you will need to do more than that: eventually, you will either have to dispose of or recycle your propane gas cylinder.

When that time comes, here are some guidelines:

• Propane cylinders should never be thrown in household garbage or recycling containers for roadside pick-up! Always recycle propane cylinders properly. In most parts of Canada, provinces and municipalities make Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection facilities available to businesses and households. In Ontario, propane cylinders are accepted at municipal transfer facilities, provincial parks (for non-refillable cylinders) and at regular collection events. For more information, visit www.makethedrop.ca.
• Some gas stations and retailers who sell and refill propane cylinders will accept expired cylinders, particularly if you purchase a new one. Contact your retailer for details.
• If your refillable propane cylinder is rusted, dented or otherwise damaged, it can no longer be filled or requalified; these cylinders must be recycled (see above).

Re-qualifying your propane cylinder

• In Canada, refillable propane cylinders must be inspected and re-qualified every 10 years. If your propane cylinder has past its expiry date, only a Transport Canada-registered re-qualifier can certify it. It’s against the law to fill an expired or damaged cylinder.
• To determine the date of expiry for your propane cylinder, look for identifying marks stamped onto the collar of your cylinder that show the original date of manufacture and any subsequent re-qualification dates. To learn more about requalification, visit this page on www.tc.gc.ca.

Propane cylinder safety

• An “empty” propane cylinder will almost always contain some residual propane – always take propane precautions when handling it.
• Always store and handle cylinders outdoors, away from heat or heat sources (matches, smoking materials, etc.). Keep them in a secure, well-ventilated area, off the ground, on a non-combustible base.
• Never store propane containers indoors or in your garage. Never store spare cylinders under or near the barbecue. Never smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
• Always store ad transport propane cylinders in a vertical position with the valve closed.