California has taken a step towards sustainable outdoor recreation with the signing of Senate Bill 1280 in September, mandating refillable propane cylinders. Authored by Senator John Laird, the new law requires propane cylinders sold in the state to be reusable or refillable starting January 1, 2028.
This legislation aims to address environmental and safety concerns associated with single-use propane cylinders while promoting more sustainable practices in the outdoor industry.
The law includes exceptions for certain propane tanks and cylinders, such as those customarily designed for use in the construction industry and containing less than 15 ounces of fuel when full, cylinders with an overall product height-to-width ratio of 3.55 to 1 or greater, and those offered to state or local government agencies for purchase pursuant to the United States General Services Administration’s State and Local Disaster Purchasing Program.
Senator Laird, representing the 17th Senate District, expressed his gratitude for the bill’s passage. I’d like to thank Governor Newsom for signing Senate Bill 1280 that will promote sustainable outdoor recreation, reduce the costs of managing and properly disposing of propane cylinders, and reduce hazards to workers by requiring propane cylinders sold in the state to be reusable or refillable,” he stated.
The new law responds to the growing problem of disposal of single-use propane cylinders. It is estimated that somewhere between 4 and 7 million single-use, one-pound propane cylinders are sold in California each year. For local jurisdictions to properly dispose of these, it can cost as much as $65 per cylinder.
Senator Laird further emphasized the impact of the new law. “For years, these propane cylinders have placed a great burden on our park systems, beaches, material recovery facilities, and local governments. With the signing of SB 1280 the taxpayers will no longer be responsible for cleaning up someone else’s mess,” he said.
The transition to refillable propane cylinders is not just an environmental necessity but also a matter of public safety. Improperly disposed cylinders can lead to explosions in material recovery facilities, endangering workers and damaging infrastructure.
Doug Kobold, executive director of the California Product Stewardship Council, expressed his organization’s support for the bill. “SB 1280 has just been signed into law in California starting the nearly four-year clock to transition consumers away from the wasteful non-environmental single-use 1 lb. propane cylinders to the safer and more sustainable alternatives offered by readily available refillable/reusable ones,” Kobold stated.
As California prepares for the implementation of SB 1280 in 2028, the outdoor industry is expected to continue evolving to meet the new requirements. This transition period will allow manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to adapt to the new regulations and embrace more sustainable propane cylinder options.
Campground owners and RV park operators may need to adapt their operations to accommodate the new regulations, potentially offering refill services or adjusting their inventory to include reusable propane cylinders. This change could present both challenges and opportunities for businesses in the outdoor recreation industry as they work to comply with the new law and meet evolving consumer needs.
