Ruesable Propane Cylinders
Create less waste and reduce fire danger by making the switch to reusable, refillable one-pound propane gas cylinders.
The Problem With Single-Use Propane Cylinders
One-pound propane gas cylinders are widely used to power a variety of devices including camping stoves, portable heaters, lanterns, portable showers, boat engines, scooters, and lawn care equipment.
Although they are convenient for consumers, the single-use cylinders cause problems when it is time to dispose of them. Single-use disposable propane cylinders should be taken to a local household hazardous waste collection center for proper, safe disposal. (Some parks and campgrounds have also set up separate collection bins for propane cylinders.) However, many single-use propane cylinders are improperly put in trash or recycling bins. This can cause fires or explosions if they are crushed or compacted in collection vehicles or at recycling centers.
Even when the cylinders are properly disposed of at a household hazardous waste center, they are very costly to handle, usually costing from $2-$15 per container to transport, recover any left over gas, and finally recycle the cylinder for scrap metal. Local governments and parks end up paying these disposal costs.
But there is a better way: make the switch to reusable!
Locally, Joshua Tree National Park disposes of over 700 unwanted 1 lb. cylinders each week from the park campgrounds, costing thousands of dollars to dispose of. The Victor Valley Materials Recovery Facility has seen baler fires likely caused by exploding canisters.
Choose Reusable, Refillable Propane Cylinders
By switching to reusable, refillable 1 lb. propane cylinders, you can save money, reduce waste, reduce disposal costs, and save resources.
The Mojave Desert and Mountain Recycling Authority (that’s us!) has worked with the Refuel Your Fun Campaign which was developed and administer by the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) with a grant from CalRecycle to educate residents on safely handling 1 lb. propane cylinders and the benefits of reusables to save money and reduce hazardous waste.
We hope that you were able to come to one of our reusable propane giveaway events, but if not, we still encourage you to pick up a reusable container.
Find a Reusable, Refillable Propane Cylinder Retailer
The CPSC provides this map to find a location selling, refilling, and/or exchanging reusable 1lb propane cylinders as a public service. Click on the expand icon (in the top right of the map below), then click on the search icon (magnifying glass in the upper left corner), type in your address, and press enter. Zoom in or out to see more locations near you.
CPSC and the Mojave Desert and Mountain Authority makes no claims or guarantees about the accuracy or currency of the maps and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in its contents.
Check with your local retailers before visiting.
What to Do With Your Old Single-Use Propane Cylinder
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