Stewardship Tip Dec 19th,2008 – Propane Cylinders
One-pound, propane cylinders are convenient sources of fuel for stoves and portable heaters. Unfortunately, they also end up as trash in our lakes, rivers, and streams. It is important to dispose of them properly. Here is a tip for emptying a propane cylinder prior to disposal:
Burn off the remaining fuel: In an outdoor, well-ventilated area, attach the cylinder to a stove, open the valve, and light the burner. Allow the flame to extinguish completely. Let the unit cool, then detach the cylinder. This procedure will drain the cylinder of all but about 1 gram of fuel, an amount that is generally considered safe for household disposal. Do check, however, with your local regulations prior to disposing of a propane cylinder.
Propane cylinders, though, are made of steel that is recyclable. Many scrap metal dealers will only accept them if the valve is removed This operation requires special equipment and should never be attempted unless you have the proper training and are properly outfitted.
Coleman has developed the Green Key® tool to help consumers safely drain one-pound, propane cylinders to prepare them for recycling.
Remove the last gram: The Green Key tool, inserted into a cylinder that has been burned off, will remove the remaining pressure and fuel from the cylinder. The Green Key tool remains in the cylinder signaling recyclers and scrap metal dealers that the cylinder is indeed empty and can be safely recycled.
Why it is important to the fish: Metal ore extraction is an invasive process, and mine tailings can be damaging to fisheries. The refining process can also have associated energy consumption and pollution issues which impact fisheries. Recycling helps reduce our dependency upon extractive mining processes, reduces land consumption for landfills, and every bottle recycled is one not left littered in the outdoors – keep an eye out for improperly disposed of propane bottles on the ice or in the woods.
As stewards, we are also partners with our local recycling program managers and scrap metal dealers. When we let them know that technologies exist, such as the Green Key tool, that will further reduce waste in our landfills, we benefit our partners, our communities, our watersheds, and, ultimately, our fish.
This week’s sponsor-partner:Coleman
Coleman has become synonymous with family camping through its broad line of affordable, high quality products, as well as back-country expeditions through its Exponent brand. They mean it when they say, “Let’s Go Outside.” Their partnership makes this week’s “Stewardship Tip” possible.
Rising demand for our weekly Stewardship Tip and a new partnership with Fly Cast America now makes the Stewardship Tip available in Spanish. Ahora, reciba el Stewardship Tip en español. Gentileza de Fly Cast America.
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