Propane Tanks

Hazards

* Tanks containing fuel under pressure may explode if tank integrity is altered, causing severe injury or death.
* Tanks containing compressed gas may explode in waste-to-energy facilities.

Handling

* DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE VALVE FROM TANK. Special safety equipment is required to prevent explosion.
* Tanks in good condition with old fittings may be reused with adapter purchased at most propane gas dealers.
* Use up all residual gas, for non-refillable (disposable) tanks
* Do not leave valve open, because escaping gas is a fire hazard as well as a source of air pollution.

Management Options

* Do NOT dispose of tanks containing gas in the trash.
* Take to municipal collection program, if available.
* Check list on next page for a facility that may take tanks.
* Check Yellow Page listings under “Gas – Propane” for company who will take tank for reuse.
* Scrap metal yards may take empty tanks. Consult local phone directory.
* Very small EMPTY disposable tanks (1 liter) can be disposed of in the trash.
* Save for local hazardous household waste collection, if tanks are accepted in your program.

Companies Accepting 20 lb. Propane tanks in Massachusetts

Company/location Cost/unit Resident drop off Conditions for pick up from municipality
American Propane
Everett
617-387-5065 $5 Yes No pick ups
Amerigas
Topsfield
978-887-2353 $10 Yes No pick ups
Amerigas
Great Barrington $5 Yes Municipality can negotiate drop-off with Gary Brazee
Grillman
Easton
508-238-3139 $5/unit dropped off Yes 2 weeks notice needed
Interstate Refrigerant Recovery, Foxboro
508-560-5735 $2/unit for propane $5/unit for helium, oxygen and fire extinguishers
$50/unit for acetylene No Minimum pick up is 25 tanks, for propane only, or call. No minimum for other tanks.
Ivey Industries
Springfield
413-736-6464 $2.95/unit Yes Negotiate with George Cone
McKnight Cylinder Corp.
Pennsylvania
724-722-1011 Free for pick up of 100 or more at one location, if stacked on skids and shrink wrapped No Schedule with Tom Towzey – 4-5 weeks advanced notice required
Millis Industries
Millis
508-376-8700 x3 $25 Yes No pick ups
NE Cylinder Disposal
Auburn, NY
315-497-0349 $2/unit + freight
units must be packed on pallet (company will provide estimate of freight costs over the phone) No Call NE with P.O. # , NE will send flammable gas stickers, NE will schedule truck for pick up. Larger orders encouraged to reduce overall shipping costs.
UHaul
Boston, Weymoth
Bos. 617-442-5600
Wey. 781-331-4050 $10 Yes No pick ups
Tank Recyclers
Middleton
888-445-0579 $5 each, $1 for 100 or more
$1 each for smaller tanks
$5 for helium tanks
$10 for fire extinguishers and refrigerant canisters
$20 large tanks Yes Use ext. 2169 for Lee – 2 weeks adv. notice, may be longer in peak grilling season

Note: This list is not an endorsement of the services of any listed company. This list was compiled by the Department of Environmental Protection in September 2004. It may not be a comprehensive list. Check Yellow pages under Gas-Propane for local dealers who may provide this service.