In most parts of the country, once the garden is put to rest for the winter, the barbecue grill is forgotten until spring. But if you’ve had one bad BBQ day after another, you may be wondering not just how to store it, but how to dispose of it. As with many items, I’ve found it’s much easier to get a new grill than it is to properly dispose of your old one.
hazardous waste
If you have a gas grill, the first thing to worry about is the propane tank. Propane tanks are hazardous waste. Landfills are prohibited in some states, and many communities have additional regulations regarding their disposal. The dealer you get your gas from usually accepts empty tanks for recycling. If not, they can probably advise you on local laws and disposal methods. If you are working with a very old grill, you may need to take the tank to your local fire department for safe handling.
easy way
In some areas, you can dispose of the remains of your grill in the trash once you’ve finished disposing of your propane tank. Although convenient, this is environmentally unsound.
If you live in an area where recycling is a priority, you may be able to pick up your grill or have it picked up for free on recycling day. But don’t count on it. Metal is the main component of barbecue grills, but it must be separated from other materials before it can be recycled.
Even in areas that accept grill recycling, there is usually a fee to pick up bulky items and disassemble the grill into its component parts. Check with your local solid waste authority to find out if your grill can be recycled. Or use Earth911’s recycling search (search for “barbecue grill” and enter your zip code) to find a recycler near you.
Most likely method
In many places, you can’t recycle your grill without disassembling it yourself. Many barbecues are also stealth electronics, household items that contain electrical components that require special handling. Ignition wires, thermometers, electrical controllers, and batteries are all e-waste and should not be thrown in the trash.
If your community recycles plastic, plastic side shelves and plastic wheels with the recycling symbol can be recycled. But don’t expect these parts to end up in your store recycling bin. Call your local waste disposal company to find out where you can recycle these plastics. Most of the other plastic parts, such as knobs and handles, are trash. Propane hoses are also not recyclable at this time.
Gas valves are typically made from recyclable brass or aluminum. Metal casters, grill lids, shelves, and grill bodies can usually be recycled as scrap metal. This is true even if it is rusty.
careful disposal
Disassembling a grill into its component parts for recycling is a tedious task. However, this initiative raises awareness about the resources used in common household items. Once you make that effort, you’ll think twice about replacing items that still have a lifespan.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on October 17, 2018 and updated in October 2024.
