How Much Is a Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential) Worth in Scrap?
A Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential) is currently worth approximately $4.89 – $6.84 at scrap yards across the United States. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
Calculate exact value for your area →What's inside a Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential)?
A residential 100-pound propane cylinder, used for whole-house cooking, supplemental heating, and some construction-site applications. Same safety concerns as 20-lb tanks: many scrap yards refuse them outright due to explosion risk, and others require the brass service valve removed (not just opened) so they can verify the cylinder is fully purged. Propane refilling stations sometimes accept expired tanks for a flat handling fee that beats scrap value. Recertification is the most common reuse path.
| Material | Weight per unit | Per-lb rate (yard pays) | Per-unit value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Iron / Sheet | 67.20 lb | $0.05 – $0.08 /lb | $3.61 – $5.06 |
| Yellow Brass | 0.70 lb | $1.82 – $2.55 /lb | $1.27 – $1.78 |
How to prep your Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential) before scrapping
Open the valve and let the cylinder vent outdoors for 24+ hours before transport. Most yards require the brass service valve removed entirely (pipe wrench, follow tank-purging procedure). Call ahead — yards have specific propane policies and a few may charge a per-tank disposal fee instead of paying.
Why prep matters: Most yards pay different rates for clean vs. mixed material. An hour of prep can roughly double your payout per pound on copper-bearing items.
What yards typically pay
90-day Light Iron / Sheet spot price (US average) — the dominant material in a Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential).
Find yards that buy Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential) near you
Enter your ZIP to see scrap yards within 25 miles that accept this material.
Calculate value for your specific situation
Adjust the quantity, add other items, or enter your ZIP for a localized estimate.
| Material | Recovered | Rate | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Iron / Sheet | 67.2 lb | $0.05–$0.08/lb | $3.61 – $5.06 |
| Yellow Brass | 0.70 lb | $1.82–$2.55/lb | $1.27 – $1.78 |
How are these prices calculated?
We track wholesale spot prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and COMEX daily, then combine them with reports from yards across the United States. The estimate you see is a typical retail-yard payout range — normally 50–70% of the underlying spot price.
Why a range?
Yards don't pay you the full spot price. They take a margin to cover transport, processing, and risk. The exact margin depends on grade quality, how clean the material is, local competition, and current end-buyer demand. The low end of our range is a conservative estimate; the high end is what well-prepared, clean material at a competitive yard can earn.
What affects your actual payout?
Preparation matters. Stripping copper wire to bare-bright roughly doubles the per-pound rate vs. selling it insulated. Removing brass fittings from copper pipe lets each metal sell at its proper grade instead of being downgraded to mixed. Quantity matters. Some yards offer better tiers for larger loads. Timing matters. Spot prices move daily; a 5% swing on copper is normal week-to-week.
Should I trust this estimate?
Treat it as a planning tool, not a guarantee. For large hauls, call two or three yards and ask for a per-pound quote on the specific grade. Don't haul anything more than 30 minutes without a quote — fuel costs add up. Most yards will quote over the phone if you describe the material accurately.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential) worth in scrap?
A typical Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential) is currently worth approximately $4.89 – $6.84 at scrap yards in the United States. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
What metals are inside a Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential)?
A Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential) contains: Light Iron / Sheet (67.20 lb), Yellow Brass (0.70 lb). Per-component recovery rates and current prices determine the value.
Should I prep a Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential) before scrapping?
Open the valve and let the cylinder vent outdoors for 24+ hours before transport. Most yards require the brass service valve removed entirely (pipe wrench, follow tank-purging procedure). Call ahead — yards have specific propane policies and a few may charge a per-tank disposal fee instead of paying.
Where can I take a Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential) to scrap?
Use the ZIP code form above to find scrap yards near you that accept Propane Tank, 100 lb (Residential), with distance, contact info, and accepted-materials notes.
Estimates assume yard payouts at 50–70% of national spot. Actual payouts vary by region, yard, and material condition. Last updated Jul 15, 2026. © 2026 Scrapyards.io