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
Not confirmed
Residency restrictions
Not confirmed
Appointment required?
Not confirmed
Transporting it safely
Transport upright, secured, in a well-ventilated vehicle area, never in a closed trunk with no ventilation for an extended period.
Recycling locations
Showing locations in our covered metros. Choose a metro to see only the locations there.
9 locations in covered metros
West LA S.A.F.E. Center at UCLA
Verified550 Charles E. Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA
- Hours
- Fridays, Saturdays, and the first Sunday of each month, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County residents
Last verified 2026-09-28Official source ↗11025 Randall Street, Los Angeles, CA
- Hours
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County residents
Last verified 2026-09-27Official source ↗7660 W. Imperial Highway, Gate B, Los Angeles, CA
- Hours
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County residents
Last verified 2026-09-27Official source ↗Gaffey Street S.A.F.E. Center
Verified1400 N. Gaffey St., Los Angeles, CA
- Hours
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County residents
Last verified 2026-09-30Official source ↗Nicole Bernson S.A.F.E. Center
Verified10241 N. Balboa Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
- Hours
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County residents
Last verified 2026-09-28Official source ↗4600 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
- Hours
- Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents. Small businesses may use the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program for a fee.
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County residents. A state-issued photo ID is required at the security gate, this location is inside a water reclamation plant.
Last verified 2026-09-27Official source ↗2649 E. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
- Hours
- Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Free for City of Los Angeles and LA County residents
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County residents
Last verified 2026-09-28Official source ↗11500 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX
- Hours
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fees
- Not confirmed
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Houston residents. Recycling-only visits require a current Texas-issued ID; hazardous waste or bulk drop-off requires a Texas ID plus a current City of Houston utility bill or lease agreement with a matching address.
Last verified 2026-09-28Official source ↗5614 Neches St., Houston, TX
- Hours
- Second Thursday of each month, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Not confirmed
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Houston residents. Recycling-only visits require a current Texas-issued ID; hazardous waste or bulk drop-off requires a Texas ID plus a current City of Houston utility bill or lease agreement with a matching address.
Last verified 2026-09-28Official source ↗
Related items
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I recycle propane tanks?
- The 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.
- Can propane tanks go in curbside recycling?
- Propane tanks, even empty ones, should never go in curbside recycling or household trash.
- Is there a safety concern with propane tanks?
- Never puncture or attempt to empty a propane tank yourself. Tanks retain pressure even when they feel empty.
Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.
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