Propane Tanks
Hazardous materialThe easiest option for a standard 20 lb grill tank is exchanging it at a Blue Rhino or similar retail exchange point, you swap your empty tank for a refilled, inspected one on the spot.
Curbside recycling?
No
Propane tanks, even empty ones, should never go in curbside recycling or household trash.
Safety note
Never puncture or attempt to empty a propane tank yourself. Tanks retain pressure even when they feel empty.
How to prepare it
- Keep the tank's valve closed and cap on during transport
Retailer & manufacturer take-back programs
- Blue Rhino Propane Tank Exchange
A tank-exchange program at roughly 65,000 retail locations nationwide, drop an empty 20 lb propane cylinder and take a refilled, inspected one, no separate disposal step needed.
Common fees
Cost of the replacement tank when exchanging; municipal HHW centers may accept tanks for disposal, confirm fees with the facility.
Quantity limits
Contact the facility to confirm.
Residency restrictions
Contact the facility to confirm.
Appointment required?
Contact the facility to confirm.
Transporting it safely
Transport upright, secured, in a well-ventilated vehicle area, never in a closed trunk with no ventilation for an extended period.
Verified nearby locations
West LA S.A.F.E. Center at UCLA
550 Charles E. Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA
- Fee:
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Hours:
- Fridays, Saturdays, and the first Sunday of each month, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Appointment:
- Not required
East Valley: Randall Street S.A.F.E. Center
11025 Randall Street, Los Angeles, CA
- Fee:
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Hours:
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Appointment:
- Not required
Playa del Rey: Hyperion S.A.F.E. Center
7660 W. Imperial Highway, Gate B, Los Angeles, CA
- Fee:
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Hours:
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Appointment:
- Not required
Gaffey Street S.A.F.E. Center
1400 N. Gaffey St., Los Angeles, CA
- Fee:
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Hours:
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Appointment:
- Not required
Nicole Bernson S.A.F.E. Center
10241 N. Balboa Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
- Fee:
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Hours:
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Appointment:
- Not required
Los Angeles-Glendale S.A.F.E. Center
4600 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
- Fee:
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Hours:
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Appointment:
- Not required
Environmental Service Center, South
11500 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX
- Hours:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Appointment:
- Not required
Environmental Service Center, North
5614 Neches St., Houston, TX
- Hours:
- Second Thursday of each month, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Appointment:
- Not required
Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.
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