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Butane
Instructions
Butane is considered Hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Alameda County Business Hazardous Waste Program (Oakland Facility) offers paid drop off. Call (800) 606-6606
Alternatives
Look into refillable propane tanks such as Little Kamper Tanks. https://littlekamper.com/little-kamper-basics/
Facts
The best way to dispose of butane is to empty the can and recycle it. The process works like this: Light the canister and let it burn until the gas empties. You never want to dispose of a butane can with gas remaining inside, but hopefully it’s nearly empty already at this point. When the flames die, you can proceed to the next step. Puncture the sidewall of the canister to remove the remaining gas. You can do this with a screwdriver or with a puncturing tool available at sporting goods stores. Use gloves to protect your hands in case the tool slips. As long as you’re not standing beside an open flame or other heat source, the canister will not explode. Take your empty or almost-empty can to a local hazardous waste recycling facility. If the can is leaking, damaged, or larger than 25 gallons, there’s a chance your local recycling center won’t accept it. If that’s the case, take it to a hazardous waste disposal site. Do not toss butane cans—even empty butane cans—into the garbage. Not only is this potentially dangerous, but it may subject you to penalties.
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