Do you have a box of empty camp fuel canisters sitting in your garage? If so, then you’ll want to keep reading.
After a lot of research, I finally figured out how to dispose of all the empty gas canisters I have. And no, you can’t just go to your local REI.
In this post, I’m going to share how to recycle camp fuel canisters in Anchorage, Alaska!
While enjoying the outdoors, it’s important to follow Leave No Trace guidelines to help protect the environment, wildlife, and ourselves. I share eco-friendly and sustainable tips so that we can all reduce our impact together.
Why Recycle Your Camping Fuel Canisters?
It’s important to properly dispose of your gas canisters because if you don’t then they will end up as trash in the landfill. Propane canisters must be completely empty and broken down properly to recycle.
Some outdoor brands have created programs or tools to help you recycle your canisters, but luckily you won’t need any of those things in Anchorage!
How to Recycle Your Camping Fuel Canisters
1. Gather Your Gas Canisters
After your camping and backpacking trips, you can gather all of your isobutane fuel canisters for recycling. Common camping fuel brands include MSR, Jetboil, and Coleman.
2. Visit Anchorage Transfer Station
If you live in Anchorage or the surrounding area, gather your empty fuel canisters and head to the Anchorage Transfer Station (1111 E. 56th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99518). You will find a road sign that indicates where the entrance is for vehicles.
3. Pull Forward to Househould Hazardous Waste Area
Once you’re inside the transfer station, follow the signs to the Household Hazardous Waste area. Keep in mind that this section is ONLY OPEN on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Sign In and Drop Off Empty Propane Canisters
You will need to pull forward when you’re in the Household Hazardous Waste area. An employee will meet you at the podium to collect your fuel canisters and ask you to sign in. It’s a quick and easy process.
5. Proceed to Exit
After dropping off your gas canisters, you will have to reverse out and exit to the right. You will have to pass by the yellow building and when asked to stop you can tell the employee that you just dropped off fuel canisters. Proceed straight and around to exit.
Happy recycling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to recycle gas canisters?
Yes, you can recycle up to 40 lbs. of canisters for free.
Can you recycle your empty fuel canisters at REI?
No, REI is no longer set up to accept empty fuel canisters.
Read More
How to Practice Leave No Trace in Alaska
10 Winter Camping Tips For Beginners
11 Winter Camping Gear Essentials
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Do you have tips on how to recycle camp fuel canisters? Let me know in the comments.
Hi Andrea, thanks for sharing this how-to guide on proper disposal of used isobutane fuel canisters. I have an accumulation of them in my garage and I want to take care of it! I understand they are tricky and dangerous to refill. Household hazardous waste disposal at the Central Transfer Station is a responsible option that prevents fuel from entering soil and water. However, the Anchorage Transfer Station household hazardous waste stream does not actually recycle (retain and reuse materials in) these items (nor the others in the Hazardhous Waste stream such as batteries and paint).
According to MSR, scrap metal recyclers that accept mixed metals will accept empty and punctured fuel canisters. MSR has a how-to and explanation here. I have a voicemail in to Alaska Scrap to confirm that they can recycle canisters that have been emptied and punctured.
Thanks for spreading the word.