Yellowstone and Bernzomatic launch fuel cylinder recycling program

New program tackles proper disposal of propane cylinders used by park visitors.

The Yellowstone Park Foundation (YPF), Wyoming, and Bernzomatic, a Columbus, Ohio-based manufacturer of hand-held torches and fuel cylinders, have announced they will pursue a new program to recycle camping fuel cylinders from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National  Parks. 

“Proper recycling of all camping materials, including the fuel cylinders used each season, has always been a focus in Yellowstone,” YPF President Karen Kress says. “However, the park’s original infrastructure could not keep up with the number of cylinders used.” 

She adds, “We are grateful for Bernzomatic’s partnership in uncovering a long-term cylinder recycling solution that also makes the process simpler for park visitors.” 

The program includes significant redevelopment of Yellowstone’s cylinder reclaim vehicle. Bernzomatic’s engineering, product development, safety and regulatory teams have outfitted the vehicle to remove residual propane from discarded fuel cylinders and process them for recycling at a faster rate. 

Yellowstone and Bernzomatic say they also are renovating the park’s propane recycling bin infrastructure by making the bins more visually distinctive and will begin sharing information about the program on their websites and through social media to better educate visitors about cylinder recycling.