Whether you use a portable propane cylinder to fuel a gas grill, patio heater, RV or some other outdoor product, it’s essential to know when it’s time to dispose of the container — and how to do that. As the premier propane company in Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona and nearby Arizona communities, Superior Propane can help.
This article will discuss the warning signs that a grill tank or other portable cylinder should be retired and how you can dispose of or recycle it in northern Arizona.
Portable propane containers like grill tanks are called DOT tanks, referring to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which regulates their use. Proper DOT guidelines typically instruct you to have your grill tank inspected by a DOT facility 12 years after its manufacture date, then every five years after that.
Propane cylinders are typically built to last a while — often multiple decades — but you need to know the signs that the cylinder is past its prime and no longer safe to use. These warning signs include:
If you notice any of these issues, please immediately discontinue using the grill tank and dispose of it properly.
If you need to dispose of a portable propane cylinder, you need to take a moment to read about the hazardous material ordinances for your county, city or other locality.
For the most part, you cannot leave a propane canister, even an empty one, for your regular trash or recycling. It often must be returned to an approved Hazardous Products Center, as is the case in Flagstaff. Some places partner with businesses to accept and dispose of these products.
If you are all uncertain about how to get rid of a damaged, worn, rusted or otherwise unusable grill tank or other cylinder, please reach out to your local services department for the best information. If you’re in the Superior Propane service area, feel free to contact our office. We’ll either deal with the cylinder ourselves or, if that’s not possible, determine the best place to dispose of it.
Superior Propane is happy to provide fuel to 11 grill tank refill stations throughout northern Arizona. You can go to any one of these refill stations to add more propane to your grill tank or other portable propane cylinder. Refilling your cylinder at a Superior Propane station is a much better deal than going to a home store, hardware store or gas station to exchange the tank. These places typically charge fees and surcharges, and you’ll lose any propane left in your old cylinder. With one of our cylinder refill stations, you can be confident you’re getting an excellent price on premium propane.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Superior Propane if you have any questions about your propane storage or appliances. We’re here to help!
