Propane Tanks

Material A
Welded Steel. Propane tanks are often made of two steel tanks welded together.

Disposal: Most variations of steel can be recycled. However, propane tanks cannot be due to their contents. You must bring the tank to a drop-off depot for proper disposal.

Material B
Polyethylene. A type of plastic, moreover, one of the most common plastics in manufacturing. In the case of Propane Tanks, it is used as an alternative to steel tanks. It is built in combination with glass fibres and resin in between two sheets of it.

Disposal: Polyethylene itself can be recycled, as can polyethylene bags. However, in the case of propane tanks, they cannot be recycled or thrown out in any way within your household. You must bring the tank to a drop-off depot for proper disposal.

Best Alternative
Propane itself is considered a clean-burning fuel, but upon combustion, contributes to heavier pollution which can also have short and long-term health effects. The tank itself however, is rather durable and long-lasting. Most tanks last upwards of twenty years, so the ultimate decision is whether to use a barbecue or not.