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A generic illustration of singe use propane canisters littering in a park. From an idea by Bjorn Ulfsson / CTIF, executed by Chat GTP.
29 Oct 2024

Single use propane canisters outlawed in the state of California by 2028

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 An Campingaz LPG 450g camping gas disposable canister for use in a workshop located in the village of Trimingham Norfolk, England. Wikipedia Commons License.California has passed a law requiring that, by 2028, all one-pound propane canisters sold in the state be reusable to reduce environmental waste and disposal costs. These single-use canisters, often used by campers, frequently end up as litter in parks and pose disposal hazards. 

According to an article on MSN.com, approximately 4-7 million of the the single use cylinders are sold each year in California. 

Their disposal costs local jurisdictions around $65 per canister, adding up to significant financial strain due to the need for specialized hazardous waste management. The disposal can also be hazardous processes due to their explosion risk.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sunday mandating that all one-pound propane cylinders sold in California be reusable or refillable beginning in 2028.

The law mandates a shift to refillable options, which are becoming more widely available. Reusable, refillable one-pound propane cylinders have been available for years. Since 2020, The Yosemite, near the national park with the same name,  has only offered refillable cylinders, removing single-use options from its shelves. However, these environmentally friendly canisters have traditionally been more expensive, sometimes costing up to three times as much as disposable ones.

Though Governor Newsom vetoed a similar bill in 2022 due to concerns about refill infrastructure, increased market readiness for refillable options helped secure his support this time. 

Critics argue the bill still lacks sufficient refilling infrastructure and could push consumers toward imported products, but advocates believe it will incentivize businesses to expand refilling services. 

Senator John Laird, who introduced the bill, plans to collaborate with CalRecycle on infrastructure development and aims to implement broader producer responsibility for waste in the future.

California stores and businesses carrying the single-use canisters have until Jan. 1, 2028, to phase them out.

“For years these propane cylinders have placed a great burden on our park systems, beaches, material recovery facilities, and local governments,” said Sen. John Laird, who introduced the legislation, in a statement. 

“Signing SB 1280 will result in more reusable propane cylinders for consumers to refill which will lead to a cleaner and safer California.”

 

Illustration Credits: 
 
Cover illustration: A generic illustration of singe use propane canisters littering in a park. From an idea by Bjorn Ulfsson / CTIF, executed by Chat GTP. 
 
Image 2: Wikipedia Commons License.  An Campingaz LPG 450g camping gas disposable canister for use in a workshop located in the village of Trimingham Norfolk, England.
Date: Taken on 13 December 2019
Português: tirada a 13 de Dezembro de 2019
Source: Own work
Author: Kolforn (Kolforn)