• Editor’s Note: Kane County Recycling Coordinator Jennifer Jarland is herself one of Kane County’s great natural resources. In addition to coordinating the county’s super-popular recycling events and a handful of the most-read pages on the Kane County website, Jarland is a board member of the Illinois Recycling Association, and is a founding member of the Illinois Food Scrap Coalition.
• (SIDE NOTE TO LOCAL MEDIA: Please feel free to recycle this article.)

Hey Jennifer Jarland! How Do I Recycle My Propane Tank Without, You Know, Blowing Up the Neighborhood?

Jennifer Says …

I get a lot of calls this time of year from people asking how to recycle propane tanks. As you may have noticed many of them have the chasing arrows recycling symbol on the bottom. But that does not mean that they can be thrown in with your household recycling in the blue bin!

They are recyclable, but because they are pressurized gas cylinders, they have to be taken to somewhere that can de-valve them safely before recycling the metal.

Safety first

Never place a propane tank or other compressed gas cylinders in your trash or recycling bin.

Don’t attempt to puncture the tank or remove the valve.  Tanks that no longer support a flame still contain enough flammable gas to cause an explosion. This concern applies to both types of propane tanks:

• Refillable tanks commonly used to run backyard grills.
• Non-refillable tanks designed for use with camping stoves, lamps, and torches

Reuse Tips

Use refillable propane tanks whenever possible. Always store and use propane tanks according to directions — you’ll help prevent injury while protecting your property, your investment and the environment.

Recycling & Disposal Information

Use up all fuel before disposing of your tank to reduce risk of an explosion. You can do this by simply attaching it to the grill or other appliance it was used with, turning it on, and lighting the flame. Let it burn until it runs out, and then deliver to one of the locations below:

Small, camp-sized propane cylinders and larger tanks, full or empty, can be dropped off at The Crusher, 651 W Washington St, West Chicago, IL 60185, 630-231-6888.

Grill-sized propane tanks only, full or empty, can also be taken to The Naperville Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 156 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville, IL 60540. Note that Naperville does not accept small camp sized tanks.

Have a Safe and Happy Summer!

More recycling information can be found at www.countyofkane.org/recycling.

• Questions? Contact Kane County Recycling Coordinator Jennifer Jarland at 630-208-3841 or recycle@countyofkane.org