Hazardous Waste Warning
LessIsMore.org works best in modern browsers like Firefox, Safari, Chrome, or Internet Explorer 8. All are free to download and will greatly improve your internet experience. Wastes in this section are dangerous to you and the environment. Handle them carefully and dispose of them properly. Legally, households may not transport more than 15 gallons of wet or 125 pounds of dry hazardous materials. Read about the regulation.
Propane Tanks
In household use, propane tanks provide a convenient energy source for barbeques and small camping stoves. Not surprisingly, the propane itself is flammable, so make sure to store your tank away from sources of heat.
What about empty tanks?
If you no longer need your propane tank (empty or otherwise), drop it off at one of the collection sites below. Even empty tanks, from the larger 20-pound size to the small 1-pounders, are considered hazardous waste due to their pressurized nature.
Please note that prior to drop-off, some sites require the valve to be removed (for larger tanks) or the tank to be punctured (small tanks). Make sure to call the location ahead of time for specific instructions.
Can I exchange my tank?
Yes! Visit our Propane Tank Exchange page for more info.
Can I refill my tank?
Yes! You can now purchase refillable 1 LB propane tanks and have them refilled. Please visit our Propane Tank Reuse page for a list of local retailers that sell refillable one-pound cylinders. Larger BBQ style tanks are refilled and through exchange programs.
Where to go
-
All of Santa Barbara County (1)
- Safety Kleen — 5310 Overpass Road
-
Santa Barbara Area (2)
- *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road
- *South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station — 4430 Calle Real
-
Goleta & UCSB Area (1)
- *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road
-
Santa Ynez Valley (1)
- *Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station — 4004 Foxen Canyon Road
-
Lompoc Valley & VAFB (2)
- City of Lompoc Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility — 1585 N. "V" St
- City of Lompoc Landfill (Scalehouse) — Avalon Rd (south end)
-
Santa Maria Valley (1)
- City of Santa Maria Household Hazardous Waste Facility — 2065 East Main Street
-
Outside Santa Barbara County (3)
- C.J. Seto Support Services, LLC — 2300 Knoll Dr, Unit G
- Clean Harbors, Inc. — 880 W Verdulera St
- Industrial Waste Utilization — 5601 State Street
Related Materials
- Propane Tank Reuse
- Propane Tank Exchange
- Product Stewardship
- Santa Ynez Valley Collection Event
- Recycling Resource Guide
- Propane Tank Recycling
- Aerosol Cans (with contents)
- Metals (other than cans) Recycling
- Metal Cans Recycling
- Compressed Gas
Related Articles
-
April 7th Hazardous Waste Collection Event
March 03, 2019 by Leslie Robinson - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
Holiday Facility Closures
December 20, 2023 by Tori Kampmann - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
“Less Is More” Guide Hot Off the Press
January 18, 2023 by Kaitlyn Haberlin - Recycle, Reduce & Reuse -
America Recycles Day November 15th
November 08, 2019 by Leslie Robinson - Recycle -
Latest Annual Report Available for County’s Hazardous Waste Collection Program
January 10, 2024 by Tori Kampmann - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
Thomas Fire Clean-Up Tips & Guidelines
-
Thanksgiving Facility Closures
November 22, 2023 by Tori Kampmann - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
RRWM’s Annual Waste Management Report Now Available
October 05, 2017 by Alan Nakashima - Recycle -
Easy Battery Recycling at Curbside
May 31, 2019 by Jody Rundle - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
Battery Recycling Made Easy
November 30, 2015 by Jody Rundle - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
Free Hazardous Waste Events October 5 & 6
September 20, 2024 by Kaitlyn Haberlin -
Reminder: Santa Ynez Valley Hazardous Waste Collection Event Postponed
March 23, 2020 by Leslie Robinson -
Hazardous Waste Collection Center Temporarily Closed – Updated 3/30/20
March 30, 2020 by Leslie Robinson - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
Hazardous Waste Disposal Options in Santa Barbara County
June 04, 2021 by Tori Kampmann - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
FREE Household Hazardous Waste Event!
March 31, 2024 by Kaitlyn Haberlin - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal -
New Year, New Protocol!
February 02, 2022 by Tori Kampmann -
Hazardous Waste Center Closed for Easter Holiday
March 25, 2024 by Kaitlyn Haberlin -
Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center Tour Offered During Creek Week!
August 26, 2024 by Kaitlyn Haberlin - Hazardous Waste Recycling/Disposal