Propane storage tanks have a pretty long life—whether you’re talking about the portable tanks for your grill, or the larger storage tanks for your home’s supply. The refillable cylinders can last 5 to 10 years as long as they are regularly checked and recertified. And larger storage tanks last even longer, although rust and corrosion are a factor in their lifespan. But eventually, they do need to be replaced. And in Vermont, you can’t dispose of propane tanks or cylinders through regular trash.
So what’s the best way to dispose of them safely and responsibly?
If you use a refillable 5- or 10-gallon tank for your grill or outdoor firepit, recycling is easy. Propane dealers who refill these propane tanks will make sure your tank is in good shape and can sell you a new tank when yours is no longer usable. When it’s time to retire your portable tank, the retailer you use for refills or exchanges should be able to take your old tank and make it’s completely empty, disassemble it and sell the tank as scrap.
If that isn’t an option, contact your county’s solid waste management department about where to recycling your tank.
If you get your propane deliveries from us, we’ll always make sure it’s always in good shape before we fill it up. And, if it does need to be replaced, due to age or damage, we’ll let you know. And, we’ll purge any remaining propane and transport the tank for disposal or recycling as scrap.
We have decades of experience installing tanks safely and we can also make sure your old tank is disconnected and safely transported away. We’ve got you covered for your replacement tank too. We’ll make sure your needs haven’t changed and ensure your tank is the right size to fuel the appliances and equipment in your home.
As long as your tank has been installed correctly, it should require very little maintenance. Still, there are a few simple guidelines for keeping your tank in good shape. If it’s an above ground tank, check for signs of corrosion on the exterior of your tank and make sure
it is always sitting level to the ground. Regular maintenance of propane appliances and connections can identify problems with your tank, too.
With an underground tank, one of the key benefits is that it doesn’t detract from your home’s curb appeal. It can also be safer, depending on your home’s location. On the other hand, it’s a little harder to know if there are any problems.
Correct installation of an underground tank should include sacrificial anodes (typically, we recommend one bag per 500 gallons). Anodes absorb natural electric currents in the ground and water that would otherwise corrode and deteriorate your tank. In addition, you should have us perform regular maintenance and check regulators.
If you need to replace your old propane storage tank, Jack Corse is here for you. We sell and install propane tanks and we’ll make sure your tank is installed correctly and safely. Our team can help assess your needs and make sure you have the right size tank to service your home and appliances. And we provide reliable, courteous propane delivery service.
Need a new propane tank? Contact us today for more information.