Disposing of Propane Grill Tanks in North Carolina

When is it time to retire an old propane cylinder?

At LG Jordan Oil & Gas, we’re proud to be the propane provider of choice in Raleigh, Apex, Fuquay-Varina and surrounding areas in North Carolina. As summer heats up, we’re helping more and more customers refill and exchange grill tanks for their barbecues.

Do you have an old, rusty grill tank that’s been sitting around since last summer? It’s a good idea to give it a visual inspection and determine if you need to dispose of it. The LG Jordan team is available to help!

Is Your Grill Tank Safe to Use?

Propane cylinders can last for decades with proper care and upkeep (i.e., being stored properly in an open-air location while protected from the elements). However, it’s crucial to know when they’ve reached the end of their lifespan and are no longer safe to use. Here are the key warning signs:

• Excessive rust or corrosion
• Dents, bulges, cracks, or cuts
• Evidence of burns or scorching
• A damaged or missing collar, footing, or valve cover
• A leaking valve

If you spot any of these issues or have any reason to believe your propane tank is unsafe, please arrange to dispose of it immediately.

Do Propane Cylinders Need Regular Inspections?

Portable propane containers are sometimes referred to as DOT tanks due to regulations set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Under these guidelines, grill tanks must be inspected at an authorized DOT facility 12 years after their manufacture date and every five years thereafter to ensure safe use.

How Do You Dispose of a Portable Tank in North Carolina?

Never abandon a propane cylinder, toss it in your household trash or attempt to dismantle it yourself.

For proper disposal, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services offers helpful guidance on how to safely dispose of portable propane tanks. Below are some of your options:

1. Exchanging your cylinder for a new one with updated equipment. LG Jordan’s team is more than happy to help.
2. If you already have a new cylinder, you can take your old one to larger exchange locations, where they may accept it as a donation.
3. Some recycling centers will process propane cylinders if they are cut in half. However, do not attempt to cut cylinders yourself unless you are experienced, as this can be dangerous.

Grill Tank Services from LG Jordan

If you use portable propane tanks for your grill or other devices and need a refill, visit our office and showroom at 314 North Hughes Street in Apex during business hours. We can also check if your propane cylinder needs requalification and inspect it for any damage, such as dents or corrosion. We’ll repair any issues, if possible, and conduct a thorough leak test to ensure your cylinder is safe to use.

If your cylinder passes our inspection, we’ll mark it with the date of approval, which will remain valid for five years. Should your cylinder have any irreparable issues, we can provide a replacement to keep you up and running.

For more information about our propane cylinder services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the LG Jordan team.