Hi Snowmann. I store mine in the first convenient spot (like a depression or a place surrounded by downed trees) more than about 20 feet from my tent. If this were grizz country i'd store it much further and pay attention to downwind, etc., but Sierra bears know bear cans well. They'll just paw at it to make sure it's closed properly, perhaps rolling it around a little (which is why i like it to be in a depression or someplace else it won't roll far away). Once i had a little tiny bit of plastic baggie sticking out, and the bear went to a lot of trouble to yank at it and slobber all over the can before giving up. But i've never heard of a can completely disappearing...only rolling a little ways.
Put your empty food packages in it if at all possible. Of course if somehow you run out of room and you're not by a locker it's better to leave out an empty package than it is to leave out food, but it's not good for the bear...you can expect the package to be shredded to bits.