Id have never guessed someone would want it empty but yes thats an option too. Altho, Id need to find some container to put the oil into and mark it. I have a couple smaller pints and quarts of linseed oil also, but theyre partially full only. At any rate, theyre going to be headed for our county landfill really soon. They take paints, chemicals, etc. and put them on a shelf for people to take and use. I just want to free up shelf space here.