With over 16,000 stores across the United States, Dollar General is a hugely popular discount retailer providing everyday essentials at low prices. But does Dollar General offer services beyond retail goods – like propane tank exchange?
I decided to do some in-depth research to get to the bottom of this question. Read on for a comprehensive look at propane services at Dollar General.
Does Dollar General Offer Propane Tank Exchange?
The short answer is: Yes, most Dollar General locations provide propane tank exchange services through an external partner called AmeriGas.
AmeriGas has propane kiosks stationed outside the majority of Dollar General stores across the US. So while Dollar General itself doesn‘t directly handle propane exchange, AmeriGas offers the service right by the store entrance at over 75% of locations.
This means you can grab your regular Dollar General bargains and swap an empty propane cylinder for a full one in a single trip.
How Much Does Propane Tank Exchange Cost at Dollar General?
According to 2021 estimates, swapping a 20 pound propane tank at a Dollar General AmeriGas kiosk costs $17 to $25 depending on location.
This translates to approximately $5 to $6 per gallon, making it very competitively priced. Rates can fluctuate over time due to changing wholesale propane costs.
It‘s easy to check updated propane exchange prices for your nearest Dollar General by using the store locator at AmeriGas.com and selecting the Dollar General option.
How Does the Propane Exchange Process Work?
Exchanging a propane cylinder at a Dollar General AmeriGas kiosk is quick and straightforward:
- Bring your empty 20 lb propane tank to the Dollar General store
- Take it to the AmeriGas self-serve propane kiosk stationed near the store entrance
- Insert payment using credit/debit card or cash
- Swap your empty tank for a full, freshly inspected one
The entire process takes just a few minutes. AmeriGas propane associates are also on hand for any assistance.
One thing to note is that you can only swap a propane bottle of the same size as you‘re returning. For safety reasons, exchanging small bottles for larger ones is prohibited in most states.
Can You Buy New Propane Tanks at Dollar General?
While propane exchange is the most popular service, some Dollar General locations also sell brand new propane cylinders onsite.
You‘ll typically find 5 lb, 10 lb and 20 lb cylinders for sale inside the store near the checkout area. Brands stocked include AmeriGas and Worthington.
Be aware that propane tank prices at Dollar General, much like exchange rates, can vary widely depending on the store. Be sure to check prices before purchasing.
Why Choose Dollar General for Propane Needs?
There are plenty of major advantages to relying on your local Dollar General for propane exchange services and tank purchases:
- Convenience: Grab propane along with regular shopping items in one quick visit.
- Availability: With 100’s of locations across 45 states, Dollar General propane is never too far away.
- Affordability: As a discount retailer, Dollar General offers very economical propane prices.
- Speed: The self-serve AmeriGas exchange process is designed for efficiency.
- Safety: You can feel confident using a reputable national propane brand like AmeriGas.
- Ease: AmeriGas attendants available onsite to help if needed.
Essentially, the partnership between Dollar General and AmeriGas brings together convenience retail goods and excellent propane services under one roof.
How to Check if Your Local Dollar General Offers Propane
The easiest way to find out if propane tank exchange or sales are available at your nearest Dollar General is to use the AmeriGas locator at:
Simply enter your ZIP code, set the search radius and select "Dollar General" under "Search Nearby Retailers".
The locator will display contact details for the Dollar General store closest to you. It will also show available propane services like exchange and tank purchase if they partner with AmeriGas.
You can call your local store directly to double check propane availability and current pricing.
The Bottom Line
While Dollar General itself doesn’t handle propane, the vast majority of stores offer convenient propane tank exchange through the onsite AmeriGas partner.
Swapping an empty 20 lb cylinder for a full one at a Dollar General location currently costs around $17 to $25 depending on area.
Some stores also sell new propane tanks from brands like AmeriGas and Worthington.
So for all your basic retail items plus affordable and efficient propane services, Dollar General has you covered. Use the AmeriGas locator to confirm propane availability at a Dollar General near you.
