2012 SURF: Small Propane Cylinders Disposal Management

Maine Campground Small Propane Cylinders Disposal Management

Undergraduate Research Fellow: Jason Smith, Environmental Science

Mentor: Dr. Travis Wagner, Environmental Science & Policy

Small, 16.4 oz., propane cylinders (SPCs) generated at Maine Campgrounds (MCs) and disposed of in landfills are decreasing landfill capacity and are constructed of recyclable steel and contain propane gas that could be captured for recycling and use, respectively.  It has been documented that component steel may contain lead.  Additionally, SPCs entering landfills containing residual propane are considered a hazardous material and are unacceptable at Maine landfills.  This report aims to list and describe some environmental, economic, and social symptoms and causes of the improper management of SPCs at Maine Campgrounds.

An indication that SPCs are an environmental problem is their disposal into landfills (NSDEL, 2006; PSI 2003).  To understand this problem, a survey was created and distributed to all public and private campgrounds that could be located in Maine, and interviews were conducted with campground staff.  On average, 30% of the respondents managed spent or partially spent SPCs as regular trash. SPCs also are found at inappropriate locations within MCs, specifically in beverage-recycling containers, at campsites, or near recycling and waste management areas.  On average, 81% of MCs do not post or communicate SPC disposal information for or to their camper population, and conversely, the same camping population does not inquire about canister's proper recycling management while camping.  The aforementioned examples are indications that ignorance and confusion of where to properly dispose of SPCs at MCs exists coupled with lack of adequate collection systems.

A problem model was created showing that the potential causes for SPC mismanagement include no infrastructure, economic disincentive, no policy regulation, no facilitated diversion, no extended producer responsibility, and short life-cycle container design, among others.

Start Slideshow

SPC Disposal Management 1: Campground Identification 350 campgrounds in Maine were surveyed regarding SPC disposal management. View Full-Size	SPC Disposal Management 2: Survey Administration Surveys of campgrounds were conducted by letter, email, and phone. View Full-Size
SPC Disposal Management 3: Disposal Systems Site maps were used to understand campground waste and recycling systems. View Full-Size	SPC Disposal Management 4: Communication Campgrounds provided minimal information about waste disposal and recycling. View Full-Size
SPC Disposal Management 5: Box-flow Diagram Suspected causes are shown to the left and effects to the right of the problem. View Full-Size	SPC Disposal Management 6: Cylinder Types One steel SPC type is recyclable and another potentially contains lead. View Full-Size