Small propane tanks do expire but the propane itself does not expire.
Propane tanks that are 100 lbs or less expire within 12 years after the date of manufacturer although they can still remain safe to use and refill after that time.
1 lb propane tanks also often have an expiration date on the bottom or on the collar on the handle although the propane will remain good after that date.
Propane is chemically stable and does not degrade over time so the propane itself does not expire but the tanks do.
You can throw away and dispose of propane tanks through a hazardous waste collection site or some propane suppliers may take the propane tanks if they are the large propane tanks including the 20 lb or 100 lb propane tanks.
Some cities and counties have hazardous waste collection events or sites where they take hazardous waste including propane tanks.
If you can safely cut them open after they've been emptied and vented then you can sell them to a scrap yard along with other scrap metal.
However propane tanks including small propane tanks cannot be safely thrown in the trash or recycling bin.
You can recycle Coleman propane tanks and other small propane tanks as long as they are empty.
If the Coleman and other small propane tanks are empty you can depress the schrader valve to vent it and cut it open and scrap it at a scrap yard.
Or you can drop it off at a recycling center if your location has hazardous waste recycling.
You can recycle small propane tanks as long as the propane tanks have been emptied and relieved of pressure.
When pressurized the small propane tanks and other propane tanks are considered hazardous waste.
Small propane tanks including the 20 lb propane tanks or small 1 lb propane canisters should never be thrown in the trash or in curbside recycling as they can be dangerous.
Some places have local hazardous waste disposal places or events which the propane tanks can be taken too.
Or if you're comfortable with doing so and can do so safely and the propane tanks are empty you can cut them open and sell them at a scrap yard with other scrap metal.
I cut the small 1 lb propane tanks open when they're empty and then throw them in with my other scrap metal.
As long as the small propane tank is empty it is safe to cut open and I've always just used a grinder while I kept the schrader valve on the 1 lb propane tank open.
To safely cut open a propane tank open the valve or even remove the valve and allow it to vent for a few days or so.
Then drill some holes around where you plan to cut the propane tank open and even add some water to help dilute the propane.
Removing the valve and purging the propane tank with air causes the propane gases to easily be removed and does not leave any propane residue that burns.
Then you can use a torch, grinder or even a SawZall to cut the propane tank open.
Cutting open propane tanks is safe if done properly and as long as the propane is no longer in the tank.
Never try cutting open a propane tank with propane in it and without the valve being open and vented.
Also fill the propane tank with water and drill a few holes in the top of an empty propane tank and fill with water and allow it to vent.
I've cut open propane tanks by drilling holes in the top and allowing the propane smell to dissipate and vent out over a few days.
After filling it with water then I used a grinder with a cut off disc to cut it open.
Never had an issue but you just have to be careful and if you're not comfortable with a grinder you can use a Sawzall without the sparks.
Ace Hardware does take old propane tanks for exchange for a full propane tank.
Simply leave your old propane tank outside near the propane tanks and then go inside and let them know that you want to exchange your old propane tank for a new one.
Then pay the cost of the exchange propane tank and propane and the old propane tank will be picked up by the propane company.
Some Ace Hardware stores may also take an old propane tank that you simply want to get rid of and then send it off to the propane company.
You can also recycle old propane tanks by.
Contacting a propane supplier who can pump out the tank and ensure it's safe to transport.
Exchanging the tank.
You can trade in your old tank for a refilled one at many propane refill locations.
Dropping it off at a propane exchange company.
Some propane exchange companies, like Blue Rhino, will recycle your tank for free.
Taking it to a hazardous waste disposal site.
You can contact your local hazardous waste disposal site to see if they accept propane tanks.
Contacting your local public works department.
You can contact your local public works department to see if they accept propane tanks.
Taking it to a permanent HHW collection center.
You can check with your local household hazardous waste collection center to see if they accept propane tank.
If the propane tank is empty and you can safely cut the propane tank open you can cut the propane tank open and then a scrap yard will take it.
However the propane tank should be emptied and vented open and even filled with water before cutting it open for safety.
If you're unsure of how to safely cut a propane tank open then do not do it and let someone who does do the cutting.
The best way to recycle the propane tank is to exchange it for a new one or see if the propane exchange will simply take the propane tank even if you don't want to buy a new tank of propane.
If the propane tank is still good then it can be refilled by a propane supplier.