Abstract: A process for the recovery of light mixed hydrocarbon vapors from an air-hydrocarbon mixture expelled as a result of storage breathing or loading of a vented hydrocarbon vessel. The hydrocarbon vapor components are adsorbed from the mixture, thus permitting venting of the substantially hydrocarbon free air safely to the atmosphere without pollution. The adsorbed hydrocarbons are removed by subjecting the adsorbent bed to a lower pressure, and the hydrocarbon components in the resulting desorption stream are substantially adsorbed for recovery, and the remaining gases from the absorption vessel are passed through a second adsorption bed to substantially remove any hydrocarbons therein.