Does anybody know what to do with empty camping gas cannisters? I now have a small collection because I don't know how to dispose of them safely! Can they be refilled? Some of them are not completely empty but don't have enough left to even simmer enough water for a cup of tea. I don't know if I should let them burn themselves out or not.
Suggestions please!
|
 |
 Which ones are they? Some can be refilled/swapped for full ones at your local friendly camping gaz supplier.
|
|
They are the blue Campingaz ones.
|
|
|
|
|
If you look on the camping Gaz website you can see which ones are refillable. If they're not chuck 'em in your neighbours dustbin!
That was a joke by the way!!! :-)
Ask your local friendly council what to do with them. That's what we're here for!
|
|
OK, thanks. I'll try the website. Otherwise I shall hide when the dustbin men come and watch from a safe distance when the lorry blows up..... no, I won't! I'll contact the council really!
|
|
IF you put them in the dustbin or recycling box DO make sure they are depressurised and left unsealed.
|
|
 Woops - never mind.
It can't have done that much harm. Honest. And I thought the dustbin lorry just had a little backfire...........
|
|
 PMSL
IIRC they are classed as a hazardous waste cos they contain a voc gas
|
|
With disposable cartridges the gas should be finished. Cartridges with a self-sealing valve may then be punctured (an operation that is of course unnecessary with pierceable cartridges). After venting for a while cartridges should be safe. [Snow Peak make a handy cartridge piercer which weighs about 15g.]
|
|
 Or just leave in the open air with the valve open? There'll be a minimum amount of gas left in the cartridge as a result - I'd have thought too small to cause any problems.
|
|
 Yep, leaving the stove on with valve open (lit or not) will do the trick of emptying the cannister :) Then it is only a piece of metal, so no problem with disposal.
There are countries where some people prefer to refill the cartridges, because it is a) cheaper b) you don't fill bad throwing away otherwise perfectly OK cartridge. All you need is a reduction (usually home made) and 2.5kg PB cannister.
Not that cartridge manifacturers approve ;)
|
|
 My local council dump has a special gas cannister section.
Why did I pay £55 for a camping gaz 907 in the U.K and £3.50 in Andorra? Some out of this world profitering perhaps?
|
|
Ouch quite a price difference
|
|
 CampingGaz.com advice is...
"Cartridges end of life
Be they valve or pierceable cartridges, when they are empty, please do not leave them in the nature. You can put them in the carbage. As in metal, they will be recycled. "
Unless "carbage" is a word I'm not familiar with it seams like a lack of responsibility suggesting this.
It also contains the following gem.
"a Campingaz® C206 cartridge will not explode until it reaches temperatures of 87°C"
Coleman are very detailed in what you should do
"Coleman propane cylinders are an all steel cylinder that can be recycled through most salvage yards. The only requirements are to ensure the cylinder is completely empty and that either the main valve or the pressure relief valve is removed. These valves are similar to valves you find in the stems on your car tires and can be unscrewed from the fittings. To remove the valve, you will need a long tire stem tool which can usually be purchased at an auto parts or hardware store.
BEFORE removing the valve, you must make certain the cylinder is empty. To empty the cylinder, take it outside, far from any open flame or possibility of spark, and screw it to a lantern or stove. Open the valve on the lantern or stove. Attempt to light the lantern or stove and whether or not it lights, leave the valve open for several hours to ensure that all of the propane is vented from the cylinder. Failure to follow these instructions may cause personal injury or property damage.
Once the tank is empty and the valve is removed, you should be able to dispose of it at any salvage yard."
They've also done data sheets on the fuels which is nice.
Amazingly different approaches.
|
|
sorry for the delay in replying to you all. I have been away. Thanks for all your advice. I shall now do something about all my virtually empty and therefore useless cannisters!
|
|
