Los Angeles Grill Disposal and Recycling This blog was recently updated in May 2022 and was originally published on October 18, 2012. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you have probably found that you have spent significantly more time cooking for yourself and your family at home. Restaurant closures, stay-at-home orders, and the fear of spending time in shared spaces are just a few of the reasons why many people have been spending more time in their kitchens. Instead of simply eating boxed macaroni and cheese and frozen pizzas, more and more people are taking the time and effort to learn how to refine their cooking skills. As the summer months come into swing, learning how to grill out is a skill that everyone should master. For residents of sunny Los Angeles, one of the biggest advantages is the weather. Though we do tend to have a few rainy days here and there, most of the year its blue skies and balmy nights here in southern California. This beautiful weather makes grilling out possible throughout the year. Though there is nothing more delicious than a home grilled meal, it can be difficult to try and get rid of those old grills once they no longer function correctly. The average American replaces their grill every three years. Though you can extend the lifespan of your grill with proper maintenance and timely repairs, regular cookouts with friends and family will certainly take a toll on your backyard grill. So how exactly can you get rid of an old, unused grill that is taking up space on your back porch? Below, we briefly explain how Junk King Los Angeles can help you with your grill disposal and recycling needs. Some Statistics on Old Grills and Smokers According to Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association (HPBA), “Seven in 10 U.S. adults own a grill or smoker, and in Canada, ownership is 8 in 10. Gas is the most popular grill type (64%), followed by charcoal (44%), then electric (9%).” Furthermore, the NPD group reports that “more than 14 million grills and smokers have been sold between April 2020 and February 2021, amounting to a 39% increase in dollar sales during the pandemic, compared to the same period a year ago.” In dollars and cents, gas barbecue grill sales in the United States amounted to about 1.32 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 alone. That year, the total barbecue grill market in the United States was valued at approximately 2.44 billion U.S. dollars. What Happens to Old and Discarded Grills and Smokers? Though the statistics above are certainly good news for the companies that make and manufacture grills and smokers, what exactly happens to those old grills and smokers that get replaced on an average of every three years? With some grills and smokers weighing well over 100 pounds, getting rid of an old grill is not as easy as simply taking it out to the curb for regular trash pickup. In fact, many grills many contain certain components that are simply not accepted at the local landfill. In the specific case of gas grills, old propane tanks are generally accepted at landfill sites. Furthermore, electric grills will most likely contain several electronic elements, which may classify them as electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste is a growing problem around the country, as the heavy metals and other elements can be classified as toxic waste when not properly disposed of. Simply taking your own grill or smoker out to the curb in hopes that the garbage truck will pick it up will usually not be successful. In the worst case scenario, you may even be the recipient of a fine for “illegal dumping practices.” In order to properly and legally get rid of your old grill or smoker you´ll need to follow the ensuing steps: For gas grills, you´ll need to empty the propane tank and find a place to recycle that tank. The local dealership where you purchased the gas may be able to take the tank. For older models, however, you may even have to take the tank to your local fire department for safe disposal. Once you´ve gotten rid of the propane tank, you will then most likely have to take your old grill to a local recycler or drop-off station. Because most grills are made of large amounts of metal, scrap metal recyclers will generally accept these items for recycling. If you have an electric grill, the electrical components such as ignition wires, thermometers, electric controllers, batteries, and other forms of e-waste will require special handling and may need to be dropped off at a local e-waste disposal station. Los Angeles Grill Disposal and Recycling