Most people probably don’t even know that propane tanks expire in the first place, or how to tell when their cylinders expire.

I didn’t know this either, until I worked as a propane attendant for several years, and hopefully I can pass some of this knowledge on to you.

When do propane tanks expire in Canada? Transport Canada Propane Cylinder Expiry Regulations

Propane tanks expire every 10 years in Canada.  Every propane cylinder is marked with a month and a year. The tank will be considered expired at the end of the month, 10 years from the year on the tank.

Even if you have a propane cylinder that is from the United States that mentions the 12 year rule on the side of it, you are still required to follow the 10 year rule if you are in Canada.

How Do I Know If My Propane Tank Is Expired? Finding the Expiry Date 

Every propane cylinder has markings on the collar to indicate a date. The date will always be month first, then the year. Here is a close up of a propane tank that is expired in Canada.

As you can see here, this propane tank would expire at the end of July, 2018 in Canada (2020 if it were the U.S.A). You could still legally have it filled on the last day of the month specified, then it would expire at midnight.

However, if you look around at the rest of the propane cylinder collar, you may see a newly stamped date if it was recertified.

Can Propane Tanks Be Recertified? What Do I Do If My Propane Tank is Expired?

Yes, propane tanks can be recertified, and if your propane tank is expired, you can have it examined by a certified station and have a new valve installed and an updated date. This makes it good for another 10 years.

It should be noted that not all stations are certified or equipped to do this, and in fact, most are not.

This image seen above shows what a new date would look like. The format is a 2 digit month, then a 3 digit company code, then a 2 digit year, then an “E” at the end (You may also see an “H”, indicating it has been hydro tested, but this is rare).

Is My Propane Tank Still Safe to be Recertified?

Your locally certified propane station will have all the training and tools to examine if your tank is still in acceptable condition to recertify for another 10 years.

Here is a list of some (but not all) of the things they will look for:

• Welds and Seams are strong and intact
• Collar and Footer still intact.
• No deep dents (they will have tools to measure the size of the dents).
• Corrosion is not too excessive.

How is a Propane Tank Re-certified?

If your propane tank passes inspection, it can then be recertified and a new date stamped on the collar. In most cases, this involves removing the old valve, and replacing it with a new one.

Why Should I Bother Recertifying a Propane Tank? Why Not Just Buy a New One?

In most cases, the cost to recertify a propane tank will be lower than the cost to buy a new propane tank. However, there are exceptions, and this is a personal choice.

Environmental Impact of Expired Propane Tanks

Improper disposal of expired propane tanks can have serious consequences for the environment. In Canada, regulations emphasize the importance of proper handling and disposal to ensure the safety of both people and the planet.

Expired propane cylinders can leak hazardous gas, posing risks to the air and soil. Additionally, transporting or storing expired tanks increases the likelihood of accidents, further impacting the environment. To minimize harm, it’s important to follow Canada’s safety guidelines for propane tank disposal and recycling.

Ensure that all expired tanks are taken to certified disposal or recycling centres, which follow strict transportation and safety regulations. By adhering to these practices, you help reduce the environmental risks associated with improper propane cylinder management.

Related Questions about Propane Tank Expiry, Recertification and Safe Handling/Transport in Canada

What happens if I use an expired propane tank?

Using an expired propane tank is not only against Canada’s regulations, but it also poses significant safety risks. Expired propane cylinders can leak gas or malfunction, leading to dangerous situations. Check the expiry date of your propane tanks regularly and replace them when necessary to ensure the safety of your home or vehicle.

How do I dispose of expired propane tanks in Canada?

In Canada, expired propane tanks should be taken to certified recycling or disposal facilities. These centres follow strict safety and transportation protocols to ensure the propane cylinders are handled properly. Never attempt to dispose of propane tanks in regular garbage, as they contain gas and other materials that could be harmful to the environment.

What are the regulations for transporting propane tanks in Canada?

Transporting propane tanks in Canada is regulated by Transport Canada to ensure safety. You must follow guidelines for properly securing the propane cylinder during transport and ensuring that the tank is not expired. Failure to comply with these transportation rules can result in fines or increased risks during travel.

How often should propane tanks be inspected in Canada?

In Canada, propane tanks must be inspected regularly to ensure they remain compliant with safety regulations. Generally, propane cylinders should be recertified every 10 years to ensure they are in good condition and do not pose any hazards related to gas leaks or malfunctions.

Can propane tanks be refilled after they expire?

No, refilling an expired propane tank is against Canadian law due to the safety risks involved. Propane cylinders past their expiry date should be properly recycled or replaced with a new, certified tank.

How Do I Know How Much Propane Is Left in My Propane Tank?

The most accurate way to figure out how much propane is left in your propane tank is to weigh it using a scale. You can place your propane tank on a bathroom scale. Stamped on the side of every propane cylinder is a “Tare Weight”.

Indicated by a T if it’s in KGs, or a T.W. if it is in LBs. The Tare Weight is the weight of the entire propane tank if it is completely empty.

For Example: If the Tare Weight is 18 LBs, and the tank weighs 18 LBS, then it is empty. If it weighs 19 LBS, there is 1LB of propane left.

Other Methods of Finding the Remaining Quantity of Propane in Your Tank.

You will see other methods on the internet that describe using water and freezing off the tank to indicate an estimated level of propane in your tank. This method can be somewhat effective to get a very rough estimation. However, I find it to be just as valid to get to know the weight of your tanks by feel, when they are empty or full. More about these questions and other propane related questions can be found here at propane.ca

How Do I Properly Take Care of My Propane Tank in a Safe Manner?

Propane tanks should be treated with care, as they are the only thing standing in between you and a dangerous substance.

• Never store them in extreme heat, and avoid situations that will erode the paint and cause rust.
• Always store them safe and securely in areas that will keep them safe from blunt force, and never use a severely damaged propane cylinder.
• Take it to a professional for inspection if you are unsure.

These tips are not just for safety, they will also save you money by prolonging the life of your propane tanks and valves.

Another tip that will lengthen the life of your propane valves is by using covers and caps. Contamination of your valves can cause damage and this can be costly. You wouldn’t want to require a revalue before the 10 year expiry date. It’s a huge waste.

You can buy QCC1 Propane Dust caps from Amazon here, as well as other protection devices. I have a personal connection with this particular listing and can attest to the quality of these caps. These are the high quality dust caps.

These are cheap and simple, and will save you money in the long run. These are QCC1, which means they fit over the threads. There are dust caps available that are designed to screw into the inside as well. Those are called POL.

Canadian Propane Tank Expiry and Recertification Regulations Key Points

• • Propane cylinders in Canada must be re-certified every 10 years. Once a cylinder reaches its expiry date, it cannot be legally refilled without undergoing inspection and recertification. This process ensures the tank meets safety standards set by Transport Canada.

  • The 10-year expiration rule applies primarily to the safety relief valve. In most standard propane cylinders, this valve is integrated with the fill valve, meaning the entire valve assembly must be replaced during the recertification process. This ensures the tank can handle pressurized propane gas safely.

  • Larger propane tanks or specialized cylinders may have a separate relief valve from the main valve. These configurations are often found in industrial propane tanks or those used in agriculture and commercial settings. During recertification, each valve is inspected to confirm it meets the regulatory safety guidelines.

  • Environmental considerations are a key factor in Canadian propane regulations. Improper disposal of expired propane cylinders poses significant risks, including gas leaks that can harm the environment. Certified disposal centers and recycling facilities follow strict protocols to manage expired tanks, preventing hazardous waste from contaminating soil and water systems.

  • Certified propane stations will assess the condition of the tank before re-certification. They will check for structural integrity, including welds, seams, and potential corrosion. Cylinders showing significant wear or damage may be deemed unfit for continued use and should be disposed of according to safety regulations.

  • Following Canada’s propane safety regulations helps ensure that tanks remain compliant with national standards, protecting consumers, property, and the environment from potential hazards.

  By adhering to these regulations, Canadians ensure that their propane tanks remain safe, functional, and environmentally responsible throughout their lifespan.

• • Propane cylinders in Canada must be re-certified every 10 years. Once a cylinder reaches its expiry date, it cannot be legally refilled without undergoing inspection and recertification. This process ensures the tank meets safety standards set by Transport Canada.

  • The 10-year expiration rule applies primarily to the safety relief valve. In most standard propane cylinders, this valve is integrated with the fill valve, meaning the entire valve assembly must be replaced during the recertification process. This ensures the tank can handle pressurized propane gas safely.

  • Larger propane tanks or specialized cylinders may have a separate relief valve from the main valve. These configurations are often found in industrial propane tanks or those used in agriculture and commercial settings. During recertification, each valve is inspected to confirm it meets the regulatory safety guidelines.

  • Environmental considerations are a key factor in Canadian propane regulations. Improper disposal of expired propane cylinders poses significant risks, including gas leaks that can harm the environment. Certified disposal centers and recycling facilities follow strict protocols to manage expired tanks, preventing hazardous waste from contaminating soil and water systems.

  • Certified propane stations will assess the condition of the tank before re-certification. They will check for structural integrity, including welds, seams, and potential corrosion. Cylinders showing significant wear or damage may be deemed unfit for continued use and should be disposed of according to safety regulations.

  • Following Canada’s propane safety regulations helps ensure that tanks remain compliant with national standards, protecting consumers, property, and the environment from potential hazards.

  By adhering to these regulations, Canadians ensure that their propane tanks remain safe, functional, and environmentally responsible throughout their lifespan.