Propane Cylinder Recycling Facts
The problem with dark green, single-use tanks
They’re meant to be thrown away
You may think they’re recyclable. You may think they’re refillable.
Truth is, they’re not.
In fact, refilling a single-use tank is illegal
Here are the facts.
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Accessibility Statement
Top 10 Things to Know About Propane Cylinder Refilling & Recycling
- Single-use propane tanks may not be refilled and carried over a public roadway. Doing so is a violation of 49 U.S.C. 5124 and punishable by up to $500,000 fine and five years imprisonment. Devices that are sold for the purpose of refilling single use-propane tanks do not exempt ANYONE from the above regulation.
- The Little Kamper is specifically designed and approved by the DOT as a refillable 1 lb. cylinder, just like the 20 lb. BBQ tanks. They are built to be reused and can last for years.
- Many of the single-use propane cylinders that are discarded in the U.S. are not empty and can explode or ignite a fire when compressed in compactors, garbage trucks, or automated waste processing systems.
- The collection, transportation, hazardous waste processing, and recycling of a discarded single-use propane cylinder can cost as much as three times the retail cost of the cylinder.
- U.S. taxpayers and ratepayers pay for this recycling, despite the fact that sales taxes from the cylinders are inadequate as a funding source for the process.
- It is estimated that over 40 million single-use propane cylinders (DOT 39) are manufactured and sold in North America every year.
- Propane tanks are certified by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) if they are designed for transporting propane over public roadways.
- Few companies offer safe processing of discarded single-use cylinders to capture the unused propane that is frequently left in the tanks.
- Communities that do not have the funds to pay for proper recycling of their propane tanks frequently stockpile them in landfills.
- Propane is non-toxic and cannot contaminate soil or water. Propane vapor is heavier than air and can settle in low-lying spaces like basements or ponds.
Try an exchangeable tank instead
When you buy a Little Kamper, you’ll become a part of your tank’s journey and help keep millions of dark green, single-use tanks out of landfill.
Just buy, enjoy, and exchange. It’s that easy!
Learn About Little Kamper Tanks