Dollar General is a convenient place to exchange propane tanks for grilling, patio heaters, and other outdoor equipment. Many locations offer propane tank exchange through third-party vendors such as Blue Rhino or AmeriGas. If you are wondering how much a propane exchange costs at Dollar General and how the process works, this guide explains typical pricing, availability, and what to expect when you bring your tank to the store.
Quick answer: A standard 20 lb propane tank exchange at Dollar General usually costs about $18 to $25, depending on your location and the vendor supplying the propane.
If you are comparing retailers in your area, see our guide to propane tank exchange near you.
Does Dollar General Exchange Propane Tanks?
Yes, many Dollar General stores offer propane tank exchange. Most participating locations use outdoor propane cages supplied by vendors such as Blue Rhino or AmeriGas. These cages contain prefilled tanks that customers can exchange for empty ones.
- Bring your empty 20 lb propane cylinder
- Ask a store associate to unlock the propane cage
- Exchange your empty tank for a prefilled one
- Pay the exchange fee at checkout
The exchange process usually takes only a few minutes and is often faster than visiting a propane refill station.
How Much Does Propane Exchange Cost at Dollar General?
The price of a propane tank exchange varies by location, but most Dollar General stores fall within the following range:
- Typical exchange cost: $18 to $25 for a standard 20 lb tank
- Seasonal price changes: Prices may increase slightly during peak grilling season
- Vendor pricing: Blue Rhino and AmeriGas may set slightly different prices depending on the region
Exchange tanks are typically filled to about 15 pounds of propane rather than the full 20-pound capacity. This practice is standard across most retail propane exchange programs.
If you want to compare prices across retailers, see our guide to propane tank exchange cost.
Does Every Dollar General Location Offer Propane Exchange?
No, not every Dollar General location offers propane tank exchange. Availability depends on the size of the store and whether an outdoor propane cage has been installed.
- Many suburban and rural stores offer propane exchange
- Some smaller locations may not have propane cages
- Availability may vary depending on vendor supply
If propane availability is important for your visit, calling the store ahead of time can help confirm whether propane exchange is offered.
Can You Buy a New Propane Tank at Dollar General?
Some Dollar General stores also sell new propane tanks that come prefilled and ready to use. However, inventory varies by location and many stores focus primarily on tank exchanges rather than selling new cylinders.
- Typical price for a new tank: $40 to $60
- Tank size: Standard 20 lb grill cylinders
- Availability: Varies by store
Dollar General vs Other Propane Exchange Locations
| Retailer | Typical Exchange Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dollar General | $18 – $25 | Convenient neighborhood locations |
| Walmart | $17 – $24 | Very common exchange locations |
| Home Depot | $19 – $25 | Usually located near the garden center |
| Lowe’s | $19 – $25 | Outdoor propane cages near the entrance |
You can see store-specific pricing in our guides to Walmart propane tank exchange cost and Home Depot propane tank exchange cost.
If you want to find the lowest prices nearby, see our guide to cheap propane tank exchange near you.
Can You Exchange an Expired Propane Tank?
Yes, propane exchange programs usually accept expired tanks as long as they are not damaged or leaking. Most propane cylinders are certified for 12 years from their manufacture date.
If your tank is older than that, the exchange program typically replaces it with a newly inspected tank.
You can learn more in our guide to do propane tanks expire.
How Long Does a 20 lb Propane Tank Last?
A standard 20 lb propane tank typically lasts about 18 to 20 hours when used on a typical backyard gas grill. Actual usage depends on grill size, temperature settings, and cooking time.
If you are unsure whether your tank is empty, see our guide on how to tell if a propane tank is empty.
Conclusion
Dollar General propane tank exchange is a convenient option for quickly replacing an empty grill tank. Most locations charge around $18 to $25 for a standard exchange, making it comparable to other major retailers. If your local store participates in the exchange program, you can swap your empty tank for a prefilled one in just a few minutes.