How Much Is a Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size) Worth in Scrap?
Scrap value: $1.18 – $1.65 as of Nov 10, 2026. That is what a typical Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size) fetches at US scrap yards today. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
| If the yard pays | You get |
|---|---|
| 50% of spot (typical low) | $1.18 |
| 60% of spot (typical) | $1.41 |
| 70% of spot (clean, sorted) | $1.65 |
What's inside a Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size)?
A standard 20-pound (4.7 gallon) BBQ propane cylinder. Many yards REFUSE these unconditionally due to explosion risk, even when empty. Yards that do accept usually require the valve to be removed (not just opened) so they can verify the cylinder is purged. Tank exchange (e.g., Blue Rhino swap) is almost always a better economic outcome than scrapping.
| Material | Weight per unit | Per-lb rate (yard pays) | Per-unit value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Iron / Sheet | 16.15 lb | $0.05 – $0.08 /lb | $0.87 – $1.22 |
| Yellow Brass | 0.17 lb | $1.82 – $2.55 /lb | $0.31 – $0.43 |
How to prep your Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size) before scrapping
Open the valve and let it sit outdoors for 24+ hours. Many yards require the brass valve removed entirely to verify empty — this needs a pipe wrench and the right safety procedure. When in doubt, exchange instead of scrapping.
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 price estimate (US average) — the dominant material in a Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size).
Find yards that buy Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size) 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 | 16.1 lb | $0.05–$0.08/lb | $0.87 – $1.22 |
| Yellow Brass | 0.17 lb | $1.82–$2.55/lb | $0.31 – $0.43 |
How are these prices calculated?
Each day we take metal spot prices from MetalpriceAPI and turn them into US average prices per scrap grade (spot × a grade factor; a few grades such as steel use fixed reference values). The calculator assumes a yard pays 50–70% of those grade prices, which gives the range you see. Full method.
Why a range?
Yards don't pay you the full grade 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, 20 lb (BBQ size) worth in scrap?
$1.18 – $1.65 as of Nov 10, 2026: that is the scrap value of a typical Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size) at US yards today, based on its metal content (Light Iron / Sheet (16.15 lb), Yellow Brass (0.17 lb)) and current prices. The exact payout depends on local prices, yard quality, and how well you've prepped the material.
What metals are inside a Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size)?
A Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size) contains: Light Iron / Sheet (16.15 lb), Yellow Brass (0.17 lb). Per-component recovery rates and current prices determine the value.
Should I prep a Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size) before scrapping?
Open the valve and let it sit outdoors for 24+ hours. Many yards require the brass valve removed entirely to verify empty — this needs a pipe wrench and the right safety procedure. When in doubt, exchange instead of scrapping.
Where can I take a Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size) to scrap?
Use the ZIP code form above to find scrap yards near you that accept Propane Tank, 20 lb (BBQ size), 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 Nov 10, 2026. © 2026 Scrapyards.io