Maybe your old gas grill is at the end of its lifespan, or maybe you’ve upgraded to a newer model. Figuring out how to dispose of a grill can be a pain. Old grills tend to be grease-lined and rickety and old propane tanks can’t simply be chucked in the trash.
This guide offers several options for safe, responsible gas grill disposal, covering everything from grill recycling tips to properly disposing of propane tanks.

Why Proper Grill Disposal Matters

Knowing how to dispose of a grill properly is more than just decluttering your patio. It’s about environmental responsibility and safety. Many components of a grill, especially metal parts, can be recycled.

Environmental impacts of improper disposal

When grills are simply dumped, non-biodegradable parts sit in landfills for decades. Hazardous components, if not handled correctly, can pose risks. Imagine your old grill finding a second life as raw metal for new products rather than contributing to growing landfill waste. Recycling a standard-sized grill can save up to 75 pounds of recyclable metal from landfills.

Recovering and recycling materials from old grills

Grills are made from a mix of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron and plastic. Metals are highly recyclable. Plastic parts might be recyclable if they have a recycling symbol and are separated. Taking the time to separate these materials helps ensure they are processed correctly.

Tools and Steps for Disposing of a Grill

Before you start, gather a few basic tools: work gloves, safety glasses, a screwdriver set, pliers and a wrench.

Step 1: Remove and handle the propane tank safely

This is the most critical first step for gas grills. Propane tanks should never be disposed of in regular trash due to the danger of explosions.

  • Turn off and disconnect: Ensure the tank valve is fully closed. Disconnect the regulator and hose from the tank. Look carefully for any damage or rust.
  • Check for return programs: Many retailers who sell propane tanks usually let you trade in an old tank for a new or refilled one. They also accept old tanks for disposal, even if you’re not buying a new one.

Step 2: Clean and disassemble the grill

A cleaner grill is easier and safer to handle and more likely to be accepted by recyclers or donation centers.

  • Clean it out: Ensure the grill is empty of ash, grease and debris before transporting it. Scrape out any food remnants and wipe down greasy surfaces.
  • Disassemble: If you plan to recycle components separately, disassemble the grill. Remove shelves, grates, burners and the lid. This makes it easier to separate materials and transport them. The control knobs and wheels are often plastic and can be popped off.

Step 3: Separate different materials for recycling

  • Metals: Grill bodies, lids and shelves are typically stainless steel, steel or aluminum, all of which are recyclable. Brass fittings on gas valves can also be recycled. Separate these metal parts. Even a grease-covered metal bottom might be recyclable if cleaned or if your scrap dealer accepts it as is. The goal is to maximize the scrap metal from grills that get recycled.
  • Plastics: Check plastic components like side shelves or handles for a recycling symbol. If present and if your local facility accepts that type of plastic, it can be recycled once separated from any metal.
  • Electronics/batteries: Remove any batteries from electronic igniters or digital thermometers. Battery recycling policies vary by location.
  • Other parts: Non-recyclable parts, unfortunately, may need to go in the trash.

Step 4: Contact local recycling centers or scrap yards

Once materials are separated, find out where to dispose of a grill legally.

  • Municipal waste services: Check with your local department of public works or sanitation. Some offer bulk waste pickup for items like grills, or have designated drop-off days/locations for appliances and scrap metal.
  • Scrap metal dealers: If your old grill is no longer usable but throwing it away feels wasteful, consider setting it out for a scrap metal picker to collect. Scrap metal collectors go by different names in different parts of the country. But whether you call them pickers, gleaners or something else, their basic approach is straightforward: They collect discarded metal and sell it to recycling centers. Pickers often drive through neighborhoods early on trash collection days and will be quick to snap up metal set by the curb or near a communal dumpster. Scrap metal gleaners operate on razor-thin profit margins and they don’t get paid for plastic. This means that when they pull the metal and plastic apart, the plastic often goes straight into the trash.
  • Private recycling centers: The most environmentally friendly way to dispose of a gas grill is to recycle it yourself, but not every part of a grill is recyclable and many parts may need to be broken down into components in order to be recycled. The general rule of thumb is that if different components need to be separated, you can’t rely on the recycling company to do it for you. Please note, the propane tank is metal, but scrapyards can’t accept them because any propane residue makes them a hazard. For properly disposing of propane tanks, you’ll need to take your old one to a retailer and exchange it for a new tank or turn it in. Many gas stations and home improvement stores have tank exchanges, but if you give them an old tank for disposal, they should accept it.

Step 5: Explore donation or repurposing options

If your grill is still functional, you can do so much more than just recycle it.

  • Sell it: If your old grill is still functional, you may be able to sell it. Old propane tanks can almost always be sold because they can be used to trade in for new tanks. However, grills themselves aren’t always so easy to sell. The accumulated layers of grease and dirt (plus the general wear and tear of being stored outside) mean that the demand for used grills isn’t very high. That’s why many people end up giving their grills away.
  • Freecycle it: Freecycling is an alternative disposal method for a functional grill. Online forums like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor allow owners to freecycle their old equipment. No haggling or extensive interactions are required. You may even be able to freecycle a grill that doesn’t work perfectly, as long as you’re upfront about it needing some DIY grill repairs.
  • Donate it: Some charities or community groups might accept functional grills if they are clean and in good condition. Always call ahead to confirm.
  • Repurpose parts: Get creative! Turn your old, cleaned grill lid into a decorative planter by removing the handle and filling it with soil and flowers. You can even use some of the scrap metal from grills for other DIY decor projects.
  • Throw it away: If you have access to a large dumpster, you can tip the grill over the edge and it’s out of sight, out of mind. Don’t throw the propane tank away, though. As mentioned, residual propane is a hazard. Follow the recommendations above for what to do with propane tanks.

Pro Grill Recycling Tips

A little preparation makes the process smoother for everyone involved.

Preparing grill for pickup or drop-off

Whether it’s for a scrap picker, a recycling center, or a donation, ensure the grill is as clean as possible. Secure loose parts, especially if disassembling. If leaving it for curbside pickup (where permitted), make sure it’s clear it’s intended for disposal/recycling and not just left out.

Contact local resources for guidance

Don’t guess. A quick call to your local waste management or recycling center can save you a lot of trouble and ensure you’re following local regulations for disposing of electronics and appliances. They can provide the most accurate information on where to dispose of a grill legally in your area.

Sources

Author
Dan Stout
Ohio-based freelance writer and author Dan Stout is a former residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager. He’s worked on nearly all aspects of building and DIY including project planning and permitting, plumbing, basic electric, drywall, carpentry, tiling, painting and more. He also publishes noir fantasy thrillers, ...
Read More