Recycle Old Propane BBQ Cylinders

CES recycles old propane BBQ cylinders. Did you know more than being illegal to throw your old propane cylinder into the garbage, more importantly someone working on that refuse collection truck, a transfer station or landfill could be injured or killed by unknowingly getting one mixed in with your throw-aways.  

   CES is proud to say we recycle thousands of old, outdated & discarded cylinders every year which helps protect the environment & keeps sanitation workers and fire fighters safe.

   BBQ cylinders need to be inspected “12 years from date of manufacture” and then continually every 5, 10 or 12 depending on the type of retest which is performed by a licensed inspection program.  It is illegal by USDOT laws to refill any propane cylinder that is currently out of retest.  To see if your cylinder needs to be retested, feel free to stop by any of our CES offices to have an expert take a look for you. 

   For years, CES has been working with local municipal agencies with the safe collection of old, outdated and unused propane cylinders by providing collection cages where consumers can drop cylinders for free or a nominal fee by the agency and we’ll safely collect, drain any remaining gas and recycle the cylinders.  There’s never a charge if you drop off any size propane cylinder at a CES office including the small “Coleman” type cylinders used for camping lights & stoves or which plumbers use for soldering.  These small cylinders can be extremely dangerous when disposed of improperly in the trash, so we’re happy to take them for no-charge at our offices.  

   Tips for dealing with BBQ cylinders: 

• NEVER store or use a propane cylinder indoors
• Don’t discard cylinders in the trash or with recycling.  Recycle properly including small 1 lb cylinders such as the kind used for “Coleman” lanterns or cook stoves.   (Yes – we take those for $1 each.)
• Never cut open a propane cylinder with a torch or saw even if you believe it to be empty.  Gases could remain causing an explosion & fire.
• Check your BBQ connections with soapy water before lighting your grill, never check with a match!
• Always transport unright & secure in your vehicle, don’t leave inside a vehicle too long on hot days, avoid extra stops and take directly to the place you plan on using it.
• If the cylinder has been exposed to fire or extreme heat – be sure to dispose / recycle it – never have it refilled since the metal can be fatigued and cause a leak / explosion.
• NEVER use a propane BBQ grill or generator INSIDE.  Deadly carbon monoxide can accumulate inside the building and cause illness / deaths.
• If you smell gas – don’t light it.  If you can’t light it – don’t fight it.  Call your qualified gas repair tech or supplier for assistance.

   For more information on how to safely recycle or to get a free cylinder drop cage for your business or municipality, contact CES:   800-874-1975.