At MSR we get this question all the time: How do you recycle fuel canisters? Isobutane canisters are made of painted steel and plastic valves. Technically they can be recycled as mixed metal. Unfortunately, the process is more complicated than just throwing your spent canister in a bin. Fuel canisters can only be recycled in areas where mixed metal is accepted, and they can only be processed when properly prepared beforehand. Here’s how to make your fuel canister recyclable:

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. Of all the stoves on the market, the Reactor is probably the best at using the last drop of fuel in the can.
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.

This last step is the tricky part. Very few curbside recycling programs handle mixed metals, and even fewer recognize and recycle fuel canisters. Check your local recycling program before you put them in the bin. You can always drop them off at a metal recycling center if there’s one in your area, these places almost always handle mixed metals. If you’re not sure what to do, contact your local recycling authority for advice. Remember, just because the canister is picked up by your curbside program doesn’t mean it will be recycled – many recyclable items are thrown away because they aren’t clearly identified. If you have any doubts, we recommend you deliver your canisters directly to a metal recycling center. That’s the best way to make sure your canisters are recycled. Good luck, and happy recycling! Related Posts:

• The Ultimate Guide to MSR Fuel
• The Ins and Outs of Canister Fuels
• Finding Stove Fuel Around the World

Updated. Originally Published on October 7, 2013.