Can I put propane tanks in the trash?

Never. Propane tanks are pressurized and flammable. They can explode in garbage trucks, causing fires and injuries. Always use proper disposal methods.

Does Home Depot take old propane tanks?

Yes. Home Depot's Blue Rhino exchange accepts old 20 lb tanks, including expired, damaged, or rusty tanks. You can exchange for a full tank or ask about disposal-only options.

How do I dispose of 1 lb camping propane tanks?

Empty 1 lb camping tanks can be taken to Alpha Ridge Landfill for free. Some camping stores like REI have recycling programs. Never puncture tanks yourself.

What if my propane tank is expired?

Expired tanks are accepted at tank exchange programs like Blue Rhino. That's one of the main benefits—you swap out your old tank regardless of condition.

How to Dispose of Propane Tanks in Howard County

The short answer: Never put propane tanks in the trash—they can explode. Use tank exchange programs at Home Depot, Lowe's, or Walmart for grill tanks. Take camping tanks to Alpha Ridge Landfill.

Never Put Propane Tanks in Trash!

Propane tanks are pressurized and extremely flammable. They can explode when crushed in garbage trucks, causing fires and serious injuries to sanitation workers. Even "empty" tanks contain enough propane to be dangerous.

🔥 Quick Reference

20 lb Grill Tanks: Exchange at Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart (Blue Rhino)
1 lb Camping Tanks: Alpha Ridge Landfill (must be empty)
100+ Gallon Tanks: Contact your propane supplier
Damaged/Leaking: Call fire department or propane company

Types of Propane Tanks

1 lb Camping

Coleman-style green cylinders

Camp stoves, lanterns, portable heaters

Alpha Ridge

20 lb Grill Tank

Standard BBQ size

Gas grills, patio heaters, generators

Tank Exchange

30-40 lb Tanks

RV & forklift size

RVs, forklifts, large heaters

Exchange or Refill

100+ Gallon

Residential tanks

Home heating, large appliances

Contact Supplier

Disposal Options by Tank Type

20 lb Grill Tanks: Exchange Programs

The easiest option! Swap your old tank for a full one at any exchange location. They accept expired, damaged, rusty, or just empty tanks.

Where: Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, Costco, gas stations, grocery stores

Brands: Blue Rhino, AmeriGas

Cost: ~$20-25 for exchange (vs $50-60 for new tank)

Condition: They accept old, expired, rusty, or dented tanks

No exchange needed? Some locations will take your tank for disposal-only—just ask

Why Exchange is Best

Tank exchange programs handle the inspection, recertification, and disposal of old tanks. You get a guaranteed safe, full tank without worrying about expiration dates or rust. Plus, you don't need to wait for refilling.

1 lb Camping Tanks: Alpha Ridge

Those small green Coleman-style cylinders cannot be refilled and need special disposal. Never puncture them yourself!

Where: Alpha Ridge Landfill, 2350 Marriottsville Rd

Requirement: Tanks should be completely empty (run appliance until flame goes out)

Cost: Free for Howard County residents

Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-4pm

Alternative: Some REI stores have recycling programs for these cylinders

Never Puncture Tanks!

Some people try to puncture camping tanks to "empty" them for recycling. This is extremely dangerous—even "empty" tanks contain flammable gas. Let professionals handle it.

Large Residential Tanks: Contact Your Supplier

100+ gallon tanks are typically owned or leased by the propane company, not you.

If leased (most common): Call your propane supplier to pick it up—it's their property

If you own it: Contact a propane company about buyback or removal

Moving? The supplier will often remove the tank as part of closing your account

Common suppliers: AmeriGas, Suburban Propane, Ferrellgas, local dealers

Damaged or Leaking Tanks

If you smell gas or see damage, don't transport the tank yourself!

Actively leaking: Move away, don't create sparks, call 911

Damaged but not leaking: Call your propane supplier or fire department for advice

Old but intact: Safe to take to exchange location

Where to Exchange/Dispose of Propane Tanks

Home Depot (Blue Rhino)

Tank exchange cages outside the store. Available 24/7 at most locations. Swap or dispose.

📍 6275 Columbia Crossing Cir, Columbia | 📍 3470 Plumtree Dr, Ellicott City

20 lb Grill Tanks Expired Tanks Rusty Tanks

Lowe's (Blue Rhino)

Exchange cages near garden center or entrance. Easy in-and-out access.

📍 9031 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia | 📍 4320 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City

20 lb Grill Tanks 30 lb Tanks Damaged Tanks

Walmart

Blue Rhino or AmeriGas exchange cages in front of store.

📍 6405 Dobbin Rd, Columbia | 📍 3200 N Ridge Rd, Ellicott City

20 lb Grill Tanks Exchange Only

Gas Stations & Convenience Stores

Many Shell, Exxon, and 7-Eleven locations have tank exchange. Look for the cages outside.

📍 Various Howard County locations

20 lb Tanks Quick Exchange

Alpha Ridge Landfill

Accepts ALL propane tanks including 1 lb camping cylinders. Free for Howard County residents.

📍 2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104 | Mon-Sat 8am-4pm

1 lb Camping 20 lb Grill All Sizes

How Propane Tank Exchange Works

Bring your old tank — Doesn't matter if it's empty, expired, rusty, or dented. Just make sure it's not actively leaking.
Go to exchange cage — Usually located outside the store entrance or near the garden center. No need to go inside.
Select a full tank — Open the cage (some require you to pay inside first), take out a full tank.
Put your old tank in — Place your empty/old tank in the spot you just took one from.
Pay inside — If you didn't prepay, take receipt from cage to register to complete the exchange.

Pro Tip: Exchange vs Refill

Exchange tanks typically contain 15 lbs of propane (not full 20 lbs). If you want a truly full tank, find a propane refill station—they fill to capacity and often cost less. Check local hardware stores and propane dealers.

Comparison: Exchange vs Refill vs Dispose

Option	Best For	Cost	Convenience
Tank Exchange	Old, expired, or damaged tanks	$20-25	Very easy, widely available
Tank Refill	Good tanks, maximum propane	$15-20	Less locations, may wait
Alpha Ridge	Disposal only (no replacement)	Free	Drive to landfill
Supplier Pickup	Large residential tanks	Usually free	Schedule appointment

Safety Tips

Transporting Propane Tanks

Keep tanks upright and secured so they can't roll
Transport in an open truck bed if possible, not inside the car
If inside vehicle, open windows for ventilation
Never leave tanks in a hot car—pressure can build dangerously
Go directly to your destination—no side trips

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recycle propane tanks for scrap metal?

Technically yes, but the tank must be completely empty and have the valve professionally removed—most scrap yards won't accept tanks with valves attached due to explosion risk. For most people, tank exchange is much easier.

My tank is expired—can I still exchange it?

Yes! This is one of the main benefits of tank exchange. Blue Rhino and AmeriGas accept expired tanks and give you a fresh, recertified one in return.

How do I know if my propane tank is expired?

Check the collar of the tank for a stamped date (month and year). Tanks are good for 12 years from manufacture date and can be recertified for 5 more years. If you can't read the date, just exchange it.

Can I dispose of a tank that still has propane in it?

For grill tanks, yes—exchange programs accept partially full tanks. For camping tanks at Alpha Ridge, they prefer empty tanks. Run your stove or lantern until the flame goes out.

What about those small torch cylinders?

Small propane torch cylinders (like for soldering) can go to Alpha Ridge when empty. Treat them the same as camping cylinders—don't puncture them.

I have a really old tank from my shed—is it safe to transport?

If it's not leaking or visibly damaged, yes. Transport it upright in an open truck bed if possible. If you smell gas or see rust holes, call your local fire department for advice.

How do I dispose of a propane grill?

First, remove the propane tank and exchange or dispose of it separately. Then the grill itself can go to Alpha Ridge as scrap metal, be donated if in good condition, or we can haul it away for you!

Cleaning Out a Garage or Shed?

If you've got old propane tanks mixed with other junk, we can handle the whole cleanout safely. We know how to dispose of hazardous items properly.

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