Abstract: A vapor recovery apparatus which withdraws multicomponent vapor mixtures from processing apparatus (such as gas sterilizers) by condensation at two or more progressively colder levels while maintaining an appropriate balance between components during steps of capture and phase change. Two cold traps provide progressive partial condensation at multiple temperature levels and serve to reduce input energy requirements at least 50% compared to a single cold level. The components in the recovered mixture may include (a) recyclable ozone depleting, global warming and valuable CFCs or HCFCs, (b) hazardous materials and (c) contaminants such as water vapor and air. The system maintains safe balance of component materials by immediately and constantly draining the condensate from a warmer temperature stage into the liquid holding section of a colder trapping zone.