Why Disposable Gas Canisters Are Hurting Our Campsites — And The Eco-Friendly Alternatives Every Camper Should Know
Disposable EN417 gas canisters may be convenient, but they’re quietly becoming one of the biggest sources of waste in Australia’s outdoor spaces. From national parks to trailheads, these once-use cylinders are piling up in fire pits, under picnic tables, and along walking tracks — and the environmental impact is bigger than most campers realise.
This guide exposes the hidden problem with single-use gas canisters and introduces cleaner, safer, and cost-saving alternatives like Fuel Keg refillable propane bottles and small, refillable EN417 canisters.
If you love the outdoors, this is how you protect it.
The Problem With Disposable Gas Canisters
1. They Produce Tons of Unnecessary Waste
Most EN417 butane/propane canisters are made of steel and designed for one use. They can be recycled — but only if fully emptied and punctured.
The reality is most people don’t puncture them, so they end up:
in landfill
thrown into general waste bins
abandoned at campsites
rusting in fire pits
This adds thousands of tonnes of avoidable waste each year.
2. They’re Dangerous When Thrown Out Improperly
A disposable canister that still contains even a teaspoon of gas can:
explode in a fire pit
ignite in the sun
spray flammable gas if damaged
contribute to bushfire ignition
3. They Damage the Pristine Places We Camp In
Steel canisters left outdoors leach rust, chemicals, and hydrocarbon residues into soil and waterways.
They stay there for decades — long after the camper who left them has gone home.
Protecting Australia’s national parks means keeping these canisters out of the bush.
The Good News: Better Options Exist
We don’t need to rely on disposable cylinders anymore. Modern refillable systems are safer, cleaner, and drastically more economical.
Here are the most effective and environmentally responsible solutions.
1. Fuel Keg Refillable Propane Bottles — Best for Car Camping & Overlanding
Fuel Keg is a purpose-built, refillable propane system designed to replace disposable gas cylinders for car campers, van travellers, and overlanders.
🔗 Brand site: https://www.fuelkegrefillablepropanetank.com/
Why Fuel Keg Is a Smart Upgrade
Fuel Keg refillable propane bottles offer:
Durability: Built for long-term outdoor use
Refillability: Can be easily refilled from the 9kg or 4kg LPG bottle you use at home
Massive cost savings: Propane refills cost a fraction of disposable canisters
Zero waste: No steel cylinders thrown away, ever
High compatibility: Works with standard gas stoves, burners, and camping appliances
For base camping and 4WD setups, Fuel Keg eliminates the endless cycle of buying and tossing disposable canisters. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint while also lowering long-term fuel costs.
2. Small Refillable EN417 Canisters — Best for Hiking, Quick Trips & Lightweight Setups
For hikers and minimalist campers, refillable EN417-sized cylinders offer all the convenience of traditional 110g/230g canisters — but without the waste.
These compact refillable cylinders work with all your existing gear:
hiking stoves
jet burners
tent heaters
lanterns
How They’re Refilled
Using a safe Lindal-valve refill adaptor, you can decant fuel into the Campingmoon cylinder directly from:
the 9kg LPG bottle you use at home, or
the portable 4kg bottle many campers travel with
That’s it. No waste, no new canister every trip, and no risk of leaving metal behind in nature.
How Much Money Can You Save?
Switching to refillable systems reduces fuel costs dramatically:
Disposable canister: $10–$14 each
Refillable system: refills for cents, using household LPG
Most campers save hundreds over a few years of use.
And that’s before considering the environmental benefits.
The Environmental Impact Is Massive
Every refillable canister replaces dozens of single-use cylinders.
Switching to sustainable options means:
far fewer steel canisters in landfill
no explosive hazards left at campsites
less rust, residue, and toxic waste in soil
cleaner national parks and natural spaces
Time to Make the Switch
Whether you camp from your car, 4WD, or backpack:
Fuel Keg is the best option for car camping, road trips, and long-term outdoor setups.
Campingmoon refillable EN417 canisters are perfect for lightweight adventures.
Nimble Camp stocks both of these products
The days of single-use gas canisters are numbered — and that’s a good thing for the wild places we love.
