California Bans Single-Use Propane Canisters, Mandating Reusable Alternatives by 2028

California has become the first state to ban the sale of single-use one-pound propane canisters, a common item for occasional campers and avid outdoor enthusiasts alike. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1280 into law on Sunday, requiring that all propane canisters of this size sold in the state be reusable or refillable by January 1, 2028.

The law doesn’t appear to apply to other sizes of propane canisters or to other types of gas such as smaller isobutane/propane canisters that are popular among backpackers.

The legislation targets the millions of disposable propane cylinders purchased annually in California, which often end up as litter in parks or hazardous waste in landfills. The canisters cost local jurisdictions up to $65 each to dispose of properly due to explosion risks during handling. The transition is expected to reduce environmental waste and alleviate financial burdens on waste management facilities.

“This law will promote sustainable outdoor recreation and help keep California’s parks and beaches cleaner,” said Senator John Laird, the bill’s author. He emphasized that the measure would shift the responsibility of waste reduction away from taxpayers while encouraging a more sustainable circular economy.

Reusable propane canisters have been available for years but are less commonly used due to their higher upfront cost. However, examples such as The Yosemite, a store near Yosemite National Park that stopped selling disposable canisters in 2020, demonstrate growing market adoption. Proponents believe that the law will incentivize businesses to expand refilling services and improve accessibility for consumers.

In response to the move to reusable canisters, FlameKing, a company that makes propane tanks, is now making 1lb reusable bottles and sells a system for refilling them from a larger propane tank.

Critics of the law have raised concerns about the state’s current lack of widespread refill infrastructure and the potential for increased reliance on imported products. Senator Laird says he plans to work with CalRecycle and other stakeholders to address these challenges and build the necessary support systems before the 2028 implementation deadline.

California’s propane market, the largest in the United States, accounts for significant sales volumes of these single-use canisters. With an estimated 4-7 million disposable cylinders sold annually in the state, the shift to refillable options is poised to make a substantial environmental impact.