REFUEL YOUR FUN
Propane canisters are a staple for camping, fueling your camp stove, lanterns, and more. Single use canisters produce a significant amount of waste. The best way to Leave No Trace while camping, is to not create trash; so why not use a refillable option?
The state of California offers a propane cylinder recycling program called Refuel Your Fun & Save/Choose Reusables!
This program promotes the safety of propane cylinders by choosing refillables instead of disposables. Refillables reduce the impact on landfills and the environment and reduce the potential dangerous nature of disposables. 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!
Thanks to a grant from CalRecycle, refillable propane canisters are FREE for Mono County residents while supplies last!
Residents of Mono County can come claim a FREE refillable propane canister to get them started with the program (*limit one per household, while supplies last). Refillable canisters can be claimed at the Mono County Public Works offices in Bridgeport (above the library) and at the Mono County offices in Mammoth Lakes.
If picking up in Mammoth, call Marcella 760-616-4953 or Val Vega 760-616-4189 to arrange pick up or drop off.
Once you've used all the propane in your canister, simply take the canister to the Mammoth Lakes Chevron (3236 Main St, Mammoth Lakes) and for ~$15 either exchange your canister for a full one, or get it refilled on site. Or, if you're camping on the road, check out the Refuel Your Fun website for more refill or exchange locations.
Some folks erroneously think that they can refill a single use propane canister -- this is extremely dangerous and has lead to injury and death. With the Refuel Your Fun refillable propane canister program, you can safely refill the sustainable canisters about 100 times, saving that much waste from our landfills.
About Mammoth Lakes Recreation
Formed in 2014, Mammoth Lakes Recreation’s mission is to deliver cutting edge sustainable recreation, mobility, and arts & culture opportunities and infrastructure for the benefit of the community and natural environment of Mammoth Lakes. For more information, go to www.mammothlakesrecreation.org.