Promoting Reusable 1 LB. Propane Cylinders

For Immediate Release:  October 19, 2023

Contact:  Nate Pelczar, Special Projects Manager

GLENN COUNTY LEADS CALIFORNIA IN HAZARDOUS WASTE REDUCTION BY PROMOTING REUSABLE 1 LB. PROPANE CYLINDERS

(Artois, CA) – Californians have regularly used 1 lb. propane gas cylinders for outdoor grills, heaters, and lighting. Now Glenn County residents can save money by buying and refilling reusable 1 lb. propane cylinders in their area. On October 21, from 8 am – 12 pm, residents can pick up a FREE reusable 1 lb. propane cylinder when they visit the Glenn County Transfer Station (5700 County Road 33, Artois CA 95913) and sign the pledge to stop using single-use 1 lb. propane cylinders. The free reusable cylinders are limited to one per household, while supplies last. 

"Events like this one will help our residents make the switch from single-use to refillable propane cylinders," said Glenn County Deputy Director of Public Works Talia Richardson, “And that could make a world of difference to our future waste stream.” 

Pictured (right, top): Unwanted 1lb. propane cylinders, which are designed to be used once and then disposed of properly. (Right, bottom): Reusable 1lb. propane cylinders, which are designed to be used over one hundred times, have standard fittings and are designed to replace single-use cylinders.

Californians use an estimated four million single use cylinders each year. When purchasing a single-use 1 lb. propane cylinder, approximately 80% of the cost is for the package. Reusable cylinders can be refilled more than a hundred times and can last for more than 10 years. After the initial purchase of the cylinder, customers can pay for the gas refill when empty or take the empty cylinder back to the nearest exchange location to swap for a filled cylinder.

Propane cylinders are designated by the State of California as Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and are illegal to be thrown away in the trash. They must be taken to a designated drop-off facility or collection receptacle. Single-use cylinders that are disposed of improperly can cause harm to the environment, while reusable 1 lb. propane cylinders can be refilled repeatedly and properly recycled after years of use.

Glenn County is promoting the award winning ReFuel Your Fun Campaign, which encourages the use of reusable 1 lb. propane cylinders over the costly and wasteful single-use cylinders. The campaign also educates about proper collection and recycling of 1 lb. propane cylinders. For more information about the ReFuel Your Fun Campaign, recycling empty cylinders, and to find more retailers offering reusables, visit www.refuelyourfun.org.

This program is funded by a grant from CalRecycle.

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Glenn County wants you to know that household hazardous waste, including single-use propane cylinders, should never be placed in the garbage. Instead, always take these items to a household hazardous waste facility to ensure they are properly and safely disposed of. Visit www.countyofglenn.net/dept/public-works/solid-waste-recycling/welcome for more information.

California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) developed and administers the ReFuel Your Fun campaign, which encourages residents to make the switch from single-use 1lb. propane cylinders to reusables. CPSC educates Californians about Product Stewardship and partners with business, jurisdictions, waste and recycling companies, manufacturers, and others to promote and encourage practices that are sustainable from an environmental and financial perspective. For more information, please visit our website: www.CalPSC.org.