The state of Calfiornia offers a propane cylinder recycling program called Refuel Your Fun & Save/Choose Reusuables! This program promotes the safety of propane cylinders by choosing reflliables instead of disposables. Refillables reduce the impact on landfills and the environment. 

The Problem – Disposable Propane Cylinders 

Disposables are dangerous. When “empty”, disposable cylinders often still contain a small amount of gas, posing a danger to sanitation workers due to the risk of explosions and resulting fires. Because of the danger involved, they cost millions of dollars to recycle and dispose of properly. Disposables are expensive when you realize that 80% of the price you pay is for the packaging! In short, you’re paying more for the packaging than for the actual gas!

Every year in North America, 40 million disposable 1 lb. propane cylinders are used, with over four million in California alone.* Because of limited and expensive recycling options, the empty cylinders are often disposed of improperly in landfills, dumpsters, household trash, campsites, on the roadside or in recycling containers.

The Solution – Refillable Propane Cylinders 

Refillables save money. A simple refill costs approximately $2.25 because you only pay for the gas and filling service, not the container! Refillables can last up to 12 years and can be refilled hundreds of times.

Contact a local retaller that sells and refills these 1 lb. propane cylinders: 

  • Allied Propane Service (Sells and refills cylinders)
    5000 Seaport Ave, Richmond, CA 94804
    (510) 237-7077
  • Oliver’s Hardware (sells cylinders)
    4071 San Pablo Dam Rd, El Sobrante, CA 94803
    (510) 223-4450

For a full list of retailers selling and/or refilling 1 lb. propane cylinders in your area, visit the ReFuelYourFun website and click on “Find a Retailer” or “Where to Recycle” sections.


Are you a business and want to start offering reusable 1 lb. propane cylinders and/or refill/exchanges services to your customers? You can purchase reusables from Flame King to sell in your store, or if you have propane on site you can also refill or exchange them. You simply need a forklift cylinder and the Flame King Adapter to do so. You can contact Flame King directly or complete the “How to Particpate” form on the ReFuelYourFun website. Once you start offering reusables, please email [email protected] so your business can be promoted by adding you to the map of  participating locations!


ReFuel Your Fun was developed by local government agencies and other partners through a grant from CalRecycle and is s administered by the California Product Stewardship Council.  For more information on the program, go to www.ReFuelYourFun.org or contact: [email protected].

*Estimate provided by Kamps Propane based on annual cylinder production data and population data.