More and more Canadians purchase small, non-refillable propane cylinders yearly for heating and cooking during outdoor activities and torch fuel use. It is estimated that 2.2 million single-use cylinders are consumed annually in Canada. Refilling single-use propane cylinders — such as those typically used with camp stoves — is prohibited by British Columbia laws. The practice can result in overfilling, which can cause severe fires, explosions and burn hazards.
What is considered a Single-Use Cylinder?
A TC-39M/DOT 39 cylinder is a seamless, welded, or brazed cylinder. They are most known as propane camping cylinders to conveniently provide fuel for heating and cooking during outdoor activities and torch fuel use. This non-refillable single-use cylinder, also known as the disposable cylinder, is affixed with a permanent attachment (a valve) that disallows cylinder refills.
What is considered a Refillable Cylinder?
The refillable cylinder is usually a generic gas cylinder with a refillable valve fitting. Most refillable propane cylinders have been reused and recycled safely for decades because:
In Canada, refillable propane cylinders must be replaced or inspected and requalified by a Transport Canada-registered requalifier every ten years. It is illegal to fill an expired or damaged cylinder. Therefore, propane suppliers get their cylinders and tanks refurbished – sandblasted/repainted, restamped (as per Transport Canada’s regulatory requirements) – every ten years, and then they are reused for another ten years.
Why can’t you refill single-use cylinders?
These are single-use cylinders, meaning you cannot refill them. Although, these cylinders pose a fire and explosion risk regarding improper handling, several incidents have been reported involving these cylinders due to being illegally refilled. These are recognized as non-refillable single-use containers by Transport Canada (TC) under the guideline TC 39M NRC 16/20 M33. The Department of Transportation recognizes non-refillable containers in the United States under the DOT 39 NRC 228/286 M1003 guideline.
Non-refillable propane cylinders have thin walls and are not heat-treated. Therefore, you cannot refill them as they will rupture under the stress of refilling. Also, you can easily overfill them because they are not equipped with an overflow protection device.