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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.