Posted on October 10, 2018
Propane tanks don't go in the regular trash so we offer recycling for one-pound propane cylinders.
The Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bondurant and the Northwest Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Grimes accept the propane bottles for a fee of $1 each.
These little one-pounders leave quite an environmental footprint when disposed of improperly. Millions of the single-use propane bottles are used and tossed out annually. Camping equipment, grills, torches, and other devices rely on small propane tanks that are often left behind littering campgrounds and parks. In addition, if they are disposed of in the regular garbage, they pose a significant health and safety risk.
Safe, Smart Disposal, and Even a Reuse Option
Residents can bring partially full or full one-pound propane bottles to one of our Hazardous Waste Drop-Off locations. Empty or near empty cylinders are recycled, while bottles a quarter full or more go into our Swap Shop, where moderately used materials are made available to the public for free.
Larger, 20-pound propane tanks such as those used on full-size grills are not accepted at either Hazardous Waste Drop-Off location. Find disposal options on our Recycling & Disposal Guide.
How Propane Cylinders are Recycled at Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Empty or near empty one-pound cylinders are emptied first by using a special device to release and filter out unused propane. The process removes all hazardous material and the threat of explosion. The empty bottles are then recycled as scrap metal through a local company.
Is It Really That Bad to Throw Them In the Trash?
Yes! Because the cylinders contain compressed gas, they have the potential to explode. Even cylinders that seem empty can have a small amount of propane inside. It’s always best to take used bottles to a hazardous waste drop-off site for proper disposal.