[Russ]

I've read that some outdoor stores take them for recycling, but I don't think there's any that do that in my neck of the woods (Bremerton, though I haven't really looked hard). I hesitate to throw them in the trash (landfill), or in my metal recycling bin (bomb). I noticed that Snow Peak sells a "Can Puncher" http://www.snowpeak.com/Gear/ug017.html If I use one of these, can I then safely recycle the cans? Russ

[Allison]

If the bottle is punctured, then yes, it goes in the recycle bin.

[wildernessed]

You mean there not biodegradable ? wildernessed

[Allison]

No, they are recyclable, just like that empty can that once housed that Campbell's Chicken Noodle ya had for lunch yesterday!

[wildernessed]

That would be the "Chunky" version of campbells soup wildernessed

[mtnwkr]

hey russ.. theres a "medium risk waste" disposal facility out by the bremerton airport, just past gorst... look them up in the phone book. they take airisol cans, old paint, cleaners, chemicals...stuff like that.

[marzsit]

i punch a hole in them using various tools, plastic-handled awl & hammer being the most common but i've used hammer & nails too. my brother uses a cordless drill (sealed motor, so no sparks) to actually drill holes in them.

[Allison]

No need to take them anywhere special. If the canister has been punctured, it recycles in the bin with the other tin cans.

[Wazzuhiker]

I shoot'em!

[cave coyote]

Why don't they design one that can be refilled that uses propane? That would make the stove a lot cheaper, You could design it to fill off of a regular propane bottle.

[Tom]

You can buy propane cannisters and screw on burners. I used to have one of those setups, but I'm no longer in my early 20s and under 10 ounces with fuel sounds better than 2 pounds now.

[Allison]

I always find it interesting when people say that they *wish* the fuel canisters were refillable, because I really never hear people say that about tin, plastic, or aluminum cans. What's the difference? All are recyclable!

[wildernessed]

If your refilling canisters, your not buying canisters which would cut into the profits, nondurable is the American way it keeps the machine cranking out product, but that aside and I am sure they could do it if they wanted, they could redesign the seal / seat on the canister from a rubber one that is pierced by the stove (which would wear and become dangerous with repeated punctures). Isn't going to happen though, to much money to be made on disposable canisters. wildernessed

[Tom]

Those darn greedy manufacturers, when are they going to make pop cans refillable too? Seriously though, I really doubt it's about profits. It's probably more a liability issue than anything.

[cave coyote]

Liability is when your whisperlight starts leaking from the seal on the bottle! It has never happened to me but I've seen the aftermath. Made me change the seal that night. I'm a cheap old geezer who doesn't like sending money on anything disposable. Especially if there are ways to get around it.