February 19, 2022 - SACRAMENTO — New legislation introduced by State Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) would ban single-use 1-pound propane cylinders to transition California to reusable 
canisters that are better for consumers and the environment.
SB 1256 would take effect in January 2028 to give the industry ample time to move to refillable 1-pound cylinders.
“California can do much better when it comes to reusing and refilling our products and eliminating materials, often hazardous materials, that are discarded haphazardly,” Senator Wieckowski said. “These propane cylinders place a great burden on our park systems and material recovery facilities. It is time to transition away from single-use products that harm our environment, pose a threat to workers and end up in our landfills. SB 1256 would result in more reusable propane cylinders for consumers to refill which will lead to a cleaner and safer California.”
Currently, most propane cylinders end up in the trash. Those that are not empty should be taken to household hazardous waste facilities. But these facilities are not easily accessible. Due to the costs and handling involved, even those canisters that are properly disposed take a significant diversion of resources from facilities.
SB 1256 is sponsored by the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC).
"CPSC would like to thank Senator Wieckowski for his leadership in tackling this problematic product,” said CPSC Executive Director Doug Kobold. “It is unfortunate that millions of used single-use 1-pound propane cylinders are wasted every year, ending up in landfills where the residual propane gas is likely vented to the atmosphere and the recyclable metal is lost forever with the rest of the buried trash. For those million or so single-use cylinders that are actually recovered, the cost of proper management of them is left to the federal, state, and regional parks, or borne by local governments. There is a better option out there in reusable cylinders that use the existing refilling network and exchange locations in many California cities and counties. A high level of convenience should be available to all Californians for refillable 1-pound propane cylinders, just like the convenience that is seen with the traditional 20-pound barbeque cylinders."
Senator Wieckowski represents the 10th Senate District, which includes southern Alameda County and parts of Santa Clara County.
Source: Senator Bob Wieckowski
