Comments on: Recycling Backpacking Fuel Canisters

By: Recycle Fuel Canisters | Sustain Adventure

Recycle Fuel Canisters | Sustain Adventure — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 00:00:14 +0000

[…] your own tools to empty the canister. Paul Mags (PMags.com) provides this guide for emptying canisters with your stove, and then puncturing them with a church-key bottle […]

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 19:59:20 +0000

In reply to Joe. I was alluding to hacks out there for refilling the isobutane canisters with pure butane. Different from the heavier steel propane ones you mentioned.

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 18:34:30 +0000

In reply to Paul Mags. I believe there are also lots of regulations about refillable containers. They need to be much heavier (not ideal for backbackers) and regularly inspected by a licensed third party. Any pressurized gas is somewhat dangerous and a flammable one at least doubly so. A reusable tank requires a certainty that the tank is still in reusable condition.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 21:45:19 +0000

In reply to Ron. You can refill containers. However, the manufacturers do not suggest it. Also, it can only be done with 100% butane..which does not work below 50F or so very well. You can Google if you are curious. For me, it is not worth it in terms of safety or performance. YMMV.

By: Ron

Ron — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 21:39:52 +0000

To bad we have not progressed to refillable canisters. That is the true RECYCLE, but I guess the producers of isobutane canisters are more concerned with money, but pretend to be ecologically minded.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 22:39:49 +0000

In reply to Loball1. The newer MSR canisters explicitly have the RECYCLE logo on them now. :)

By: Loball1

Loball1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 21:42:29 +0000

Yes, Peter, I saw the “do not puncture” instruction on the side of the canister, along with absolutely zero instructions about what TO DO with the empties. If the company would like to help prevent these cans from ending up in garbage bins and landfills, then maybe they could provide some helpful hints about alternatives?

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 13:19:38 +0000

In reply to Aaron Kosydar. You are being generous. ;)

By: Aaron Kosydar

Aaron Kosydar — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 03:22:28 +0000

Awesome. Finally a straightforward answer and explanation. You sir are my hero for the next… oh… say 15 minutes?

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 00:00:21 +0000

In reply to Peter.

Two companies that make fuel canisters disagree with with you:
http://www.snowpeak.com/canister-puncher-ug-017.html
http://shop.jetboil.com/index.php/crunchit.html

(both are PUNCTURING tools)

Wait..so does MSR! 😀
http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/stove-accessories/msr-isopro/product
“Recyclable: Consult your local recycling center for regulations.”

And so does Backpacker Magazine:
http://www.backpacker.com/february_2008_how_to_recycle_spent_fuel_canisters/gear/12084
http://www.backpacker.com/gear/ask_kristin/85

And REI:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-stove.html

If you let out all the gas, there is nothing to burn. Do it safely first…and perhaps do more research before making comments. 😉

cheers!