Standard single-use propane stoves like this will soon be off-limits in California / Justin Housman photo

They're ubiquitous in camp, hardware, and even grocery stores across the country, but in California, they'll soon be a relic of camping times past. They're the one-pound (ish) single-use propane canisters, usually seen in Coleman Green, but they're made by lots of other companies too. Last month, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 1280, which bans the sale of these canisters across the state, starting January 1, 2028. That lead time gives consumers and propane brands time to make the switch.

The bill was sponsored by State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), and was previously approved by the California legislature (a similar bill passed the legislature in 2022 as well). Newsom's signing made it official, though there was little doubt he would sign. 

The bill doesn't ban the sale and use of refillable one-pound propane canisters, just the disposable ones, though few campers use refillable one-pound propane canisters presently. It's estimated that Californians use at least 4 milion of the single-use canisters annually. Aftermarket options for refilling non-refillable canisters exist, but they're dangerous as the canisters aren't designed to be refilled. Most are just pitched into the trash.

The solution for campers will be to purchase refillable one-pound propane canisters, or to use the already prevalant larger portable propane canisters, that come in a variety of sizes from 5 to 20 pounds. One-pound propane canisters, like those made by the brand Flame King, are typically around $30, though they require an adapter that fits the canisters to larger tanks for refilling. Propane costs vary, but right now, it's about $2-3 to refill a propane canister, while a single-use Coleman propane canister is $9.50 at REI. 

The move to ban these canisters will save local municipalities a lot of money. California has declared used propane canisters hazardous waste, which comes with a host of cleanup requirements. According to Sierra, cities and counties pay as much as $65 per canister to dispose of them properly in waste management facilities. The canisters contain small amounts of leftover propane and if simply tossed in with the rest of the garbage at a landfill, that propane poses a serious explosion risk. 

Some localities, like Butte County in Northern California, have already moved to ban the sale of single-use propane canisters countywide, specifically because of the cost to deal with their cleanup. 

 In addition, the canisters have to be separated and dealt with in campgrounds by busy park staff, and can be a real cleanup headache in busy campgrounds. 

“For years these propane cylinders have  placed a great burden on our park systems, beaches, material recovery facilities, and local governments," said Laird in a statement. "With the signing of SB 1280 the taxpayers will no longer be responsible for cleaning up someone else’s mess. Signing SB 1280 will result in more reusable propane cylinders for consumers to refill which will lead to a cleaner and safer California.”

This law applies only to one-pound, single-use propane canisters. As of now, single-use isobutane canisters, like those used by backpacking stoves, are exempt from the law.