How to recycle fuel canisters

Ever wonder how to recycle those empty fuel canisters? This primer from MSR walks you through the four easy steps…

1. Make sure the canister is totally empty. You should use all the gas for cooking – it’s better to burn the hydrocarbons than release them.

2. If you think there could be some gas left you can purge it by attaching your stove, inverting it, and opening the valve. This will allow any remaining gas to leave the canister. Make sure you’re clear of any potential flame or source of sparks while doing this.

3. Once you’re sure the canister is empty, you need to puncture it so it meets recycling requirements. You don’t need a special tool to do this just puncture it with a can opener or a sharp object like a screwdriver or an ice axe. Don’t use a saw because it can create sparks that will ignite remaining fuel. You don’t need to remove the valve to meet mixed metal requirements.

4. Now, deposit your canister where mixed metals are accepted.

Prepping like a Pro

Be a pro and check that stove before you go. No amount of packing, repacking and planning matters more than having a way to cook that coffee and food at camp. Start your packing by testing out that old or new stove before you go. A simple check to make sure it lights and is running well at home will save you a lot of headaches on the trail. Take a few minutes to test, check fuel and clean it. Not sure how to do it. Check with your manufacturer and find easy how to videos like this one from our friends at MSR.