Blue Rhino Responds to Concerns Over Propane Tanks and Methamphetamine Production

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the 4^th of July weekend on the horizon, Blue Rhino, America’s leading brand of propane tank exchange, is reassuring grillers of the safety of its tanks in light of safety concerns regarding propane tanks and the production of methamphetamine.

“Blue Rhino immediately contacts hazardous materials response units to properly dispose of any tanks suspected to have been used in the production or transport of methamphetamine. We work to ensure these tanks don’t make it back to the store or a griller’s backyard.”

Blue Rhino recycles millions of propane tanks each year. To help ensure that these propane tanks can be used safely in America’s backyards, Blue Rhino’s state-of-the-art production process includes multiple steps where each and every tank exchanged is inspected, tested, and leak-checked.

As part of this process, Blue Rhino’s staff of propane professionals is trained to identify a propane tank that may have been used in methamphetamine production; watching for these tanks is an essential part of the standard inspection process. Propane tanks that have been used in meth production typically have a very strong ammonia odor and an obvious, extensive blue-green color covering the valve.

“Of the millions of tanks processed in a year, we encounter only a very, very few tanks that may have been used in meth production,” said Tod Brown, president of Blue Rhino. “Blue Rhino immediately contacts hazardous materials response units to properly dispose of any tanks suspected to have been used in the production or transport of methamphetamine. We work to ensure these tanks don’t make it back to the store or a griller’s backyard.” Brown added,

“Our stringent inspection process helps ensure that Blue Rhino propane tanks do what they are intended to do: provide safe fuel for outdoor fun.”

General Propane Tank Safety Tips

• Do not store propane tanks in a building, garage or enclosure (includes under grill)

– or especially near fireworks around the 4^th of July or other holidays

• Always store tanks upright and make sure the valve is off when not in use
• When taking your tank for exchange, keep in a secure, well ventilated place in your vehicle – never leave the tank unattended

Propane Tank Safety Resources

• Snopes – www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/methtank.asp
• Hearth, Patio & Barbeque Association – www.hpba.com
• Propane Education & Research Council – www.usepropane.com

For more information on propane safety and tank handling tips, please visit www.bluerhino.com or call toll free at 1-800-BLU-RINO.

About Blue Rhino^®

Blue Rhino is a leading national provider of branded propane tank exchange and complementary propane-fueled products to consumers. Blue Rhino propane tank exchange is offered at leading home improvement centers, mass merchants, hardware, grocery, and convenience stores, with branded tank displays at more than 41,000 retail locations in 50 states and Puerto Rico. Blue Rhino's propane-fueled products division is focused on appliances such as grills, patio heaters and mosquito eradication devices. Blue Rhino is a brand of Ferrellgas, L.P.