I think it’s safe to say that SUMMER HAS ARRIVED. You know what that means… Camping. Swimming. Hiking. Boating. GRILLING!

With the COVID-19 restrictions lifting in a matter of days, I know I am looking forward to hosting my family and friends for backyard BBQ’s again! To prepare, I spent last weekend getting my outdoor oasis ready for long-missed visitors.

  • Patio Set – Check!
  • Umbrella – Check!
  • Outdoor Dinnerware – Check!
  • Invitations – Check!
  • BBQ – Check!
  • Propane Tank – Hmmm…

If you need more propane for grilling or other uses, you can typically have your tank refilled. However, as I inspected my propane tank, I realized that it was time for a new one. But what does this mean for my old one?

Proper propane tank disposal is something every propane user should be familiar with. At some point every propane tank, cylinder, or bottle will reach the end of its useful life. Smaller, portable propane containers, such as cylinders and bottles, usually reach this point sooner than stationary bulk tanks. So, what are your options when it comes to disposing of a propane tank?

Propane tanks are considered hazardous waste, meaning they have the potential to threaten public and/or environmental health and safety. The danger posed by propane tanks is primarily because of the potential for compressed gas to explode. If ruptured, they can become self-propelled rockets, or they can catch fire, which is particularly dangerous in a collection truck or a sorting facility where other materials being sorted, like paper and cardboard, are extremely flammable.

For this reason, propane tanks and other compressed gas containers require special care to ensure the public and environment isn’t harmed during the recycling process. To safely dispose of my propane tank I followed the Golden Rules and safely disposed of it at the Aquatera Eco Centre!

The Eco Centre accepts four categories of household hazardous waste: Aerosol, Corrosive, Flammable and Toxic. As experts, they know how to handle hazardous waste, and they made the process quick, easy and most importantly, safe.

So this summer, as you prepare for your backyard BBQ’s, be sure to inspect your propane tank and properly dispose of it, if required. This way, we can all ensure our safety, the safety of those around us, and focus on celebrating being together, again!