Monday, March 17, 2008

Recycling Fuel Canisters

For multi-day trips, I opt to use a white gas stove. White gas is easy to find, and white gas canisters are refillable. Some people aren't comfortable with the priming process, but in reality, white gas stoves are safe and easy to operate. Maintenance includes periodic cleaning to keep the fuel lines and burner jets free of deposits.

I also carry a MSR Pocket Rocket canister stove. This operates using a pressurized fuel canister which contains Iso-Propane fuel. These are easy to operate (just turn them on and light), which is ideal for that getting the coffee going in the morning when you're cold and groggy. One drawback to these stoves is the fact that the canisters lose pressure as they draw down, so the BTU output reduces over time...they also lose pressure in cold temperatures. In addition, the canisters aren't refillable, however they are recyclable.

How to Recycle a Spent Fuel Canister

>Simply empty your canister of all fuel, then puncture it with a tool (Snowpeak makes a handy one, but a big rock works too!), then put the canister in with your alumnium recyclables.

Check with your municipal works department to determine just what the requirements are for recycling canisters in your area...some will take empty (marked EMPTY with a sharpie), but un-punctured canisters.

Happy paddling!

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