Californians regularly use 1 lb. propane gas cylinders for outdoor BBQ’s, camp stoves, heaters, and lanterns, and use an estimated four million single-use cylinders each year. With the support of the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) – a California-based 501(c)(3), CPSC’s ReFuel Your Fun & $ave! Campaign, and Little Kamper, an eco-friendly cylinder exchange program intends to reduce the waste and expense related to the handling of empty disposable containers by offering a zero-waste 1lb propane tank exchange program, similar to what has been available to consumers for the 5 gallon/20lb gas barbeque cylinders.
The Little Kamper 1 lb. propane cylinder exchange program consists of a reusable sixteen-ounce gas cylinder purchased at local retailers where once empty, the cylinder can be exchanged at a discount for a full replacement. Unlike their disposable counterpart – the single-use cylinders – Little Kamper cylinders are built to be reused, and can be refillable for up to twelve years. The exchange program eliminates costly cylinder disposal. The cylinders connect to devices in the same way as single- use tanks and no other special connection is required. The exchange program was introduced recently and has gained significant popularity with the public as it is convenient, relatively inexpensive, and promotes the reuse of products that would otherwise likely end up in our hazardous waste stream.
We are proud to announce that Little Kamper is now a two-time award winning program, recently receiving the Innovation Award from Outdoor Retailer at the Winter 2022 Snow Show for the development and success of the Little Kamper 1 lb. reusable propane cylinder exchange program. Outdoor Retailer recognizes that this innovative exchange service offered by Little Kamper is another step forward in the gradual shift from single-use cylinders to reusable cylinders. CPSC supports Outdoor Retailer in their recognition of Little Kamper and we congratulate Little Kamper for their hard work, determination, and successful exchange service.
The Little Kamper cylinder exchange program made it’s National Park debut in 2020 through an agreement between Aramark/Yosemite Hospitality, LLC and Little Kamper LP. Yosemite Hospitality, LLC made the switch, moving away from selling single-use cylinders and replacing them with Little Kamper 1lb tank exchange. Yosemite National Park has benefited from the reduction of waste while the retail operations in the park simultaneously provide the public with what they want: outdoor equipment and supplies that can be reused repeatedly and at a reasonable cost. This spring, various national park concessionaires around the western US will be offering the same great Little Kamper exchange service now offered in Yosemite’s retail stores.
CPSC recognizes that progress comes from stakeholders who are committed to working together in an effort to achieve a shared goal. We congratulate Little Kamper not only because of their well-deserved award from Outdoor Retailer, but also because of their significant contributions to efforts to reduce the waste stream, improve our environment, and to provide consumers with products and services that they need and want.