SB 1256 (Wieckowski) Reusable Propane Cylinders

OVERVIEW

Single-use 1lb propane cylinders (also known as propane tanks) typically used in camping stoves, lanterns, welding equipment and are a consumer product that has been a longtime concern. SB 1256 would ban single-use 1-pound propane cylinders to transition California to reusable canisters that are better for consumers and the environment.

THE ISSUE

It is estimated that between 40-60 million single-use 1lb propane cylinders are sold in the United States every year. These small 1lb propane cylinders are the only propane cylinders that are sold as single-use. All other propane cylinders 5 gallons (20lb) or larger have always been refillable and designed and marketed for refilling.

Local, state, and national parks have long struggled with the impacts of improperly disposed single-use 1lb propane cylinders. A 2019 article from Waste 360 reported that the Yosemite National Park collects between 20,000 and 25,000 tanks a year and trucks them more than two hours away to a facility that processes low-grade hazardous waste. One of Yosemite’s sustainability initiatives is focused on reducing improper disposal of propane tanks by promoting use of refillable tanks.

Safety is an additional issue that makes disposable propane problematic. In most situations it is impossible to know whether a cylinder is completely empty. If a cylinder ends up at a Material Recovery Facility with complex machinery used to separate materials, there is a risk of explosion that could cause injury to personnel or damage to infrastructure. This is part of what contributes to the cost of collecting and recycling these cylinders. In order to be safely recycled, they must be evacuated and then punctured using special equipment to ensure that they are safely processed.

Position: Supported by Californians Against Waste
Contact: Alexa Chavez

BILL SUMMARY

This bill would prohibit the sale of disposable propane cylinders, as defined, and would make the violation of this provision subject to specified civil penalties. The bill would authorize a city attorney or county counsel to impose these civil penalties, as provided. SB 1256 would take effect in January 2028 to give the industry ample time to move to refillable 1-pound cylinders.

Status: Vetoed by the Governor
Current language, analysis, and votes: SB 1256