Refund & Return Policy, made as clear as a tank gauge.
We sell, refill, and exchange propane tanks — a product with real safety rules attached to it. This page lays out exactly what's refundable, what's exchangeable, and what isn't, so you know where you stand before you ever need to ask.
At-a-Glance Eligibility
What Qualifies for a Refund, Exchange, or Credit
Propane cylinders are regulated hazmat equipment, so our policy follows federal handling rules in addition to standard retail fairness. Here's how every situation is sorted.
Unused, Unfilled Tanks
- Original packaging and seal intact
- Never connected to a regulator or appliance
- Returned within 30 days of purchase
- Original receipt or order number provided
Manufacturer Defects
- Faulty OPD valve, leaking seam, or bad gauge
- Reported within 14 days of delivery
- Photo or short video of the defect helps us move faster
- No restocking fee, ever
Filled Tank, Simple Change of Mind
- Tank has been filled but not connected or used
- Propane cannot legally be resold once it leaves our custody
- Issued as credit toward your next exchange or order
- A 15% handling fee applies to cover re-certification
Empty-for-Full Exchange
- Bring any 20lb, 30lb, or 40lb cylinder in safe condition
- No receipt required for a standard exchange
- Tank must pass a quick visual safety check at handoff
- Same-day swap at any partner location
Out-of-Date or Damaged Cylinders
- Tank is past its 12-year recertification stamp
- Visible dents, bulging, or rust-through on the body
- Missing or tampered OPD valve
- We can direct you to certified disposal instead
Shipped Tanks Returned by Mail
- Propane cylinders cannot ship via standard carriers once filled
- All fill-related returns must happen in person at pickup
- Empty, unfilled tanks may still ship back under our 30-day window
- Call us first — we'll walk you through the right path
Refund Windows by Situation
The clock starts the day your order is fulfilled or your tank is picked up — not the day you placed it.
| Situation | Time Window | Outcome | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unopened tank, unwanted | 0–30 days | Full Refund | None |
| Defective valve, regulator, or gauge | 0–14 days | Free Replacement | None |
| Filled tank, unused, change of mind | 0–7 days | Store Credit | 15% handling |
| Wrong size or type delivered (our error) | 0–30 days | Full Refund or Swap | None |
| Empty-for-full exchange | Anytime | Same-Day Swap | Exchange rate only |
| Cylinder used, partially emptied | After use | Exchange Only | Standard exchange rate |
| Tank past recertification or visibly damaged | Any time | Not Eligible | — |
| Order canceled before fulfillment | Before pickup | Full Refund | None |
Why filled propane can't be refunded for cash
Once propane is loaded into a cylinder, federal hazmat regulations prevent us from reselling that gas to another customer. That's why a filled, unused tank is eligible for store credit rather than a cash refund — the credit covers the full value of the tank itself, just routed differently. Empty tanks you never had filled are simple, full cash refunds.
Four Steps, Start to Finish
Most refunds and exchanges are resolved the same day you reach out.
Call or message us
Reach our team at (323) 696-7549 or submit a return request online with your order number.
We confirm eligibility
We'll check your purchase date, tank condition, and fill status against this policy in minutes.
Bring it in, or we collect it
Drop the tank at any partner location, or schedule a pickup if you're in our local delivery area.
Refund, credit, or swap issued
Cash refunds post to your original payment method within 3–5 business days. Credit and swaps are instant.
Refund & Return FAQ
Still unsure where your situation fits? These cover the questions we hear most.
For a cash refund on an unused, unopened tank, yes — your receipt or order number confirms the purchase date and price. For a standard empty-for-full exchange, no receipt is needed; we only need to inspect the cylinder for safety.
Filled propane can't legally be returned to inventory for resale, so we're unable to issue a cash refund in this case. We do offer full store credit, minus a 15% handling fee to cover re-certification and safe disposal of the gas, within 7 days of fill.
That's a manufacturer defect and it's on us. Reach out within 14 days of delivery with a photo of the issue, and we'll send a free replacement or issue a full refund — your choice, no restocking fee.
Cylinders manufactured 12+ years ago need recertification before they can be refilled or exchanged, per DOT regulation. We can't accept an out-of-date tank for exchange, but we can point you to a certified disposal or requalification partner near you.
Once your return is approved, cash refunds typically post to your original payment method within 3–5 business days, depending on your bank. Store credit and tank swaps are applied immediately at the time of return.
Unfilled, unused tanks in original packaging can be shipped back within our 30-day window. Filled cylinders cannot be shipped under hazmat carrier rules and must be handled in person at a pickup or partner location. Call us and we'll set up the easiest option for you.
No problem — we carry 20lb, 30lb, and 40lb cylinders at every partner location. If we don't have your exact size in stock that day, we'll either hold your tank for a same-day swap once stock arrives or offer the nearest available size with a fair price adjustment.
Call us directly at (323) 696-7549. Propane handling has enough edge cases that we'd rather talk it through with you than make you guess from a policy page.
Have a Tank to Return or Exchange?
Our team can usually tell you exactly where you stand in under two minutes on the phone.
Buy Propane Tank · mypropanetank.com — This policy applies to purchases, exchanges, and refills made through Buy Propane Tank and its partner exchange locations. Propane is a regulated hazardous material; all returns are handled in accordance with DOT and NFPA 58 guidelines. Policy last updated June 2026. For order-specific questions, call (323) 696-7549.