California has banned the sale of single-use, one-pound propane tanks. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1280 into law, and the new regulation went into effect on January 1, 2025. The legislation aims to reduce the millions of disposable propane cylinders that end up in landfills, parks, and waterways each year. Beginning January 1, 2028, only refillable propane canisters and cylinders will be offered for sale within the California market.
The ban targets the commonly-used green, nonrefillable propane canisters that are popular among campers, tailgaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. These propane bottles fuel portable stoves, heaters, and lanterns. State officials argue that these single-use tanks create significant environmental hazards and are difficult to properly recycle.
Enforcement and Penalties
Retailers who are found to be selling single-use propane tanks in violation of the new law may face fines or other penalties. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local agencies will oversee enforcement, ensuring businesses comply with the regulation.
California joins a growing number of cities and states pushing for more sustainable outdoor recreation practices. With the ban in place, officials hope to see a drastic reduction in hazardous waste. At the same time, the regulation promotes greener alternatives for camping and outdoor cooking.
Environmental Waste and Risk Reduction
The National Propane Gas Association states that California is the largest customer for natural gas and propane. Annual sales stand at 535 million gallons. All of which makes sense because of the unique camping opportunities in the state. According to CalRecycle, California discards over four million single-use propane tanks annually. Many of these are improperly disposed of. This leads to potential fire hazards, toxic leaks, and increased landfill waste. The metal containers often end-up in recycling bins. However, because they contain flammable gas residue, they pose risks at waste processing facilities.
“These small canisters are a big problem,” say Jared Blumenfeld, Secretary of California’s Environmental Protection Agency. “They litter our parks and beaches. And they’re dangerous to handle. We need to move toward sustainable alternatives.”
So, as California bans propane bottles of this variety, the expectation is that the regulation will do more than reduce waste. It could also increase waste disposal safety.
California Bans Single-Use Propane Bottles — Not the Use of Propane
The state is encouraging consumers to switch to refillable propane canisters. These are already available at outdoor retailers and some gas stations. Refillable options enable campers to use them multiple times, significantly reducing waste and long-term costs. Therefore, when California bans propane bottles that cannot be reused, it does not constitute a ban on the use of propane itself.
While environmental groups have praised the move, some outdoor recreation businesses have raised concerns about the transition. One camping gear retailer in Los Angeles noted that, “Many customers rely on disposable tanks for convenience, and refilling options aren’t as widely available yet.”
Manufacturers are now working to expand the availability of reusable propane tanks and exchange programs. This move reflects one similar to the existing system for larger barbecue-sized propane tanks.
Some RVers advocate the refilling of the existing one-pound propane tanks. However, safety advocates discourage this. They note that the single-use tanks are not intended to be refilled. The warning label states that the tanks can rust from the inside out and cause a failure. Refillable tanks, on the other hand, are built differently. Fortunately, with the ban in place, these should become widely available by the time the enforcement of the law begins to take place in 2028. Refillable tanks already exist now.
Leave a Reply