Best Management Practices for Propane Tanks

Who Needs To Know
This new requirement most notably impacts users of Propane Gas Grills, which account for over 60 million grill tanks in use today.

What happens if I don't have an OPD installed on my cylinder?
As of April 1, 2002, cylinders without an OPD valve cannot be refilled, it’s the law.

Where do I take my old tank?
Homeowners should participate in tank exchange programs and to bring old tanks back to distributors or local propane supply companies. Due to the amount of tanks being exchanged and a slump in the scrap metal market, both exchange programs and local propane supply companies will charge for this service. However, the cost ensures that the tanks are handled properly.
Propane tanks and single use propane tanks are acceppted at Household Hasardous Waste Collection Events. http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/hhw_schedule.html

Who Should I Call
There are many propane dealers in Riverside County, below are a few that are providing disposal or exchange services for your old tank.

Time to get more Propane?

Beaumont / Banning
A C Propane (951) 769-0227
Farrell Gas (951) 845-1643

Coachella Valley
Amerigas (760) 347-1868
G&K Propane (800) 559-1941

Hemet
Ballard Gas (951) 652-6854

Idywild / Anza
Farrell Gas (951) 659-4085

Riverside
Pedley Propane (951) 780-8000

All Home Depots in Riverside County offer exchange through

Type of Tanks
Propane tanks can be separated into two categories: refillable and single-use. Both types of tanks, when discarded, can contain enough fuel to explode.

Placing old propane tanks in the trash is illegal .

STATE HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 25189.5. (a)

PENAL CODE 374.8

Placing old propane tanks in the trash also presents an extreme hazard
to sanitation workers.

CAUTION:

Tanks may appear to be empty, when in fact, the tank still contains residual propane.

[NFPA 58 and NH State Fire Code (Saf-C 6008.01)]

Devalving is a process by which the valve is removed from the tank. This method of propane tank management is extremely dangerous and needs to be done under specific conditions.

Only trained personnel using non-static equipment should remove propane tank valves. Tanks may contain indeterminable amounts of propane, and improper removal of valves could result in personal injury or death.

skull and X-bones image

Facts about Propane

Propane is colorless and artificially odorized.
Propane is stored as a liquid and expands when heated.
Contact with liquid propane causes freeze burns and damage to the eyes.
Liquid propane vaporizes instantly when released from its container.
Released propane is extremely flammable and explosive.
Propane is heavier than air so it will move into low-lying areas.
High concentrations of propane can cause unconsciousness.
Propane + Oxygen = Combustion

NOT
IN
THE
TRASH!!