Abstract: The invention relates to a device for recovering anaesthetics in anaesthetic treatment of a patient. The device comprises a housing having a first opening and a second opening for the formation of a flow path in the housing for a breathing medium. In the housing, an absorption body having the capacity of absorbing and desorbing anaesthetics is arranged. According to the invention, there is valve means for the switch-over between an active position, in which the flow path passes through the absorption body, and a passive position, in which the flow path does not pass through the absorption body. The absorption body retains unchanged location in the housing in both valve positions. The invention also relates to a method for, in a corresponding way, controlling a device for recovering anaesthetics.