I would like to cut an empty metal methanol drum in half. I have read all sorts of warnings, safe methods, etc. Can it safely be done? I have given some to a friend who lives in the country. He says he rinses them with water, connects a hose to his truck exhaust and runs it into the drum "for awhile," then cuts it with a torch. He is still alive to talk about it. I question this method.

How about drill a hole and use an air nibbler if you’re concerned with sparks

Most of mine come in plastic drums but the steel versions I use a drum deheader on after they sit empty for a while with a cap off.
Where I am we can burn trash on site. I use them for that and give them away to neighbors. There is little to fear from methanol. Airing out for a couple of days you won't be able to smell it. It's hard to spark light anyway. I weld fuel tanks on occasion. Never an issue.
Gas is a whole nuther thing.

The plastic versions I give away. They get used for water collection or whatever. I do remove any decals first.