Refilling 1-Pound Propane Tanks In Minnesota Can Land You In Prison + $500,000 Fine
Do you know about those little green 1lb propane tanks? I use them all the time for my heater or my portable Blackstone. The problem lately is they are so expensive! I paid $7.49 a bottle at the store the other day. I've heard that you can refill them on your own and even looked up instructions on YouTube on how to do it. Thankfully, I read the small print on the bottle and realized it was a big no-no.
It's easy enough to find a converter fitting to fill the 1-pound propane tank. They are cheap and easy to find online. If you're like me, you probably have a handful of empty bottles around, so you figure you'd save a ton of money by refilling yourself. It could end up being much more costly in the long run.
These tanks are DOT39 tanks. They have thin walls and are not designed to be refilled. The stress of emptying the tank and then refilling the tank can cause leaks and ruptures. It can create an explosive situation. People have actually died from explosions caused by it.
The United States Department of Transportation can fine you up to $500,000 and 5 years in prison. Federal Law forbids transportation if refilled. It's right on the label on the bottle.
There still are solutions to save money.
Most appliances that use 1lb tanks also sell hose adapters that you can connect to a 20lb tank. However, I like having smaller bottles for transporting. When I'm dragging my ice fishing sled out, I don't want the extra weight of a 20lb propane tank.
They do sell refillable 1lb tanks and kits. The bottles aren't cheap, though, but given the high price of a regular bottle, it pays for itself in just a few uses.
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