Massachusetts guide
How to get rid of a propane tank in Massachusetts
Pressurized propane tanks do not belong in ordinary trash. MassDEP warns that trash compressors can puncture tanks and release flammable gas even when a tank seems empty. Towns often accept small cylinders for a fee.
Facts checked against Mass.gov and town sources on 2026-11-05.
MassDEP guidance
- Do not put propane tanks in the trash.
- Contact the manufacturer (MassDEP examples include AmeriGas or Blue Rhino), ask your municipality about scrap metal or HHW acceptance, or use Beyond the Bin to find listed drop-offs.
Source: Mass.gov: Safely Manage Household Hazardous Products (Propane Tanks).
Town pages with propane fees
- Attleboro - Propane tanks, cardboard, batteries (non-alkaline), fluorescent bulbs, clothing, books: No charge if in trash program
- Barnstable - Propane tank 20 lb: $5
- Brewster - Empty propane tank: $1 (1 lb) / $5 (more than 1 lb)
- Chatham - Propane tank less than 5 lb / 20 lb: $2 / $5; Propane tank 30-60 lb / 80-100 lb: $10 / $20
- Dartmouth - Propane tank 20 lb empty / with propane: $5 / $10
- Dennis - Propane tank 1 lb or 20 lb: No charge; Propane tank greater than 20 lb: $20 each
- Eastham - Propane tank up to 40 lbs: $10 each; Propane tank 100 lbs: $25 each
- Falmouth - Propane tank (40 lb max): $15
- Framingham - Propane tanks: $5 each
- Harwich - Gas grill, bicycle, lawnmower, propane tank, or toilet: $5 each
- Hingham - Propane tanks (commercial permit schedule): $5 each
- Kingston - Propane tank: $5 each
- Middleborough - Propane tank (20 lb only): $7 each
- Needham - Propane tank (20 lb or less): $5 each
- Orleans - Propane tank 1 lb: No charge; Propane tank 20 lb: $5 each; Propane tank 100 lb: $25 each
- Sandwich - Empty propane tank (20 lb max): $10
- Taunton - Propane tank: $10
- Wellesley - Propane tanks (1, 20, 30, 40 gallon): Accepted in propane area per Recycling Guide; confirm any fee with RDF attendant