Do you have an old gas can sitting in your garage? Before you throw it away, remember that it is hazardous and against the law to dispose of gasoline incorrectly. If you own a home or business, learning how to dispose of old gas can save you time and money. It also helps protect the environment.
Many cities have facilities where you can take hazardous wastes for free, but some have a limit as to how many gas cans you can throw in before you’re charged. Some require a special container to ensure it is brought safely. Alternatively, if this task seems overwhelming, you may hire professionals for a fee.
This guide will take you through the cost, safety tips, and top ways to get rid of old gasoline. It will help you do so without getting fined or harming the environment. Let’s get started!
How Much Does It Cost to Dispose of Old Gas?
If you own a home, you can often get rid of hazardous waste for free with local disposal programs. Some areas have limits on waste drop-off. Usually, this is between 15 and 35 gallons. If you exceed this amount, a fee may apply. If you are disposing of old gasoline for business purposes, expect to pay a fee.
Disposal is free. You might need a special government-approved container to carry the gas if you don’t have one already. These containers typically cost between $20 and $40.
If handling hazardous waste seems risky, or if you have a lot to get rid of, you can hire a disposal service. These services start at around $50 and handle everything for you.
Precautions to Take When Disposing of Old Gas
When getting rid of old gas, keep safety in mind and avoid unnecessary risks. Here’s a quick guide:
What to Do:
- Wear Gloves and Safety Glasses: Protect your skin and eyes from splashes.
- Clean up Spills with Cat Litter: It’s great for soaking up spills.
- Store Gas Properly: Use a UL-approved metal safety can or a plastic gas container.
- Keep Gas Away From Sparks and Flames: Store it safely away from heat sources, children, and pets.
What Not to Do:
- Never Pour Gas into a Storm Drain or Septic System: It’s dangerous and illegal.
- Don’t Pour Gas onto the Ground: It can contaminate soil and water.
- Avoid Throwing Gas into the Trash or Recycling: It requires special disposal.
- Don’t Mix Gas with Other Liquids: This can cause dangerous reactions.
Important tips:
Handling Gasoline: Gasoline poses significant risks because of its high flammability and toxicity. Always wear disposable gloves and safety goggles when handling it. Keep some cat litter nearby to soak up any spills without delay.
Storage: Keep old gas in the appropriate container until it is time to dispose of it. Keep it away from children and pets. Also, stay away from heat sources such as water heaters, furnaces or space heaters. It’s best to store it outside if possible. Stay at least 50 feet away from any source of spark, such as pilot lights on propane appliances.
Cleaning Up Gas Spills On Clothes: If gas spills on your clothes, change them immediately. Wipe the spill with a cloth, apply baking soda to the stain and let it sit. Soak clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water (equal parts), then rinse and air dry.
Skin Or Eye Contact: If gasoline gets in your eyes, flush them with lukewarm water for at least five minutes. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water until clean. If irritation continues or worsens, consult a doctor.
How to Dispose of Old Gas Properly?
If you have old gasoline, dispose of it appropriately. It is dangerous and illegal to pour it down the drain or on the ground. Luckily, there are many safe and responsible ways to get rid of it. You can:
- Use A Local Waste Disposal Service : Many cities have businesses that specialize in hazardous waste disposal, including old gasoline. Call before heading out to confirm they accept gasoline. Policies can vary. While you are at it, ask about any fees they charge. Some places may take it for free, while others may charge a small settlement fee.
- Look for Hazardous Waste Collection Programs : Many communities hold special collection events. Residents may leave behind hazardous substances such as gasoline, oil, paint and chemicals. These programs are a great way to dispose of old gas safely, often at no cost. Contact your local council or environment agency to find out when the next event is in your area.
- Contact Your Local Fire Department : Some fire departments take old gasoline into their hazardous materials disposal program. Since gasoline is highly flammable, they have the expertise to safely handle it. Not all fire stations offer this service, so be sure to call and ask before arriving with your container of gas.
- Contact An Auto Shop Or Repair Garage : Many auto repair shops and service centers routinely dispose of gasoline and oil. Some can also recycle old gasoline if it is not too contaminated. Check with local stores if they accept gasoline. Also, ask about any restrictions on the types of items accepted.
- Check With Your Local Recycling Center : Some recycling centers accept gasoline, particularly if they also handle hazardous waste. They may have specific drop-off days or guidelines, so reach out to see if they can take your old fuel.
- Use It In Small Amounts : If your gasoline isn’t too old or spoiled, you can mix it with fresh gas and use it in a lawnmower, chainsaw, or other small engine. Do this only if the fuel is clean and doesn’t contain debris or water.
How to Know if Gasoline Is Bad?
It’s not always easy to tell if gasoline has gone bad, but there are some clear signs that can help you spot it.
Check the Age : The simplest way to determine if gas has gone bad is by considering how long it’s been sitting around. If it is more than six months old, there is a good chance it’s gone bad, especially if it wasn’t stored in an airtight container. Over time, gasoline deteriorates, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing engine problems.
Pay Attention to Color and Clarity : Fresh gasoline is clear and has a light, almost straw-like color. If the gas appears dark, cloudy or muddy in color, it may have gone bad. Sediment or a cloudy appearance indicates contamination, which can clog fuel lines and damage your engine.
Smell For Any Changes : Gasoline has a distinct odor, and if you’re familiar with it, you’ll probably notice that something is wrong. Old or spoiled gas often has a sour, musty, or varnish-like odor. If the gas smells noticeably different than normal, it’s best not to use it.
Watch For Engine Performance Problems : If you think you already have bad gasoline in your tank, pay attention to how your engine runs. Common symptoms of bad gas include:
- Trouble starting the engine
- Hesitating or difficulty accelerating
- Erratic firing or sputtering
- Sudden stalling or stalling
If you notice any of these problems, turn off the engine and drain the old fuel before it causes further damage. Running on bad gas can clog injectors, damage fuel pumps, and lead to costly repairs.
What To Do If Your Gasoline Is Bad?
If you think your petrol is bad, it’s better to get rid of it safely. This way, you won’t damage your equipment. Many local waste disposal centres take old fuel. You can also ask your nearest automotive shop about proper disposal methods. Never pour gasoline down the drain or on the ground, as it is hazardous to the environment.
However, if the gas is only a few months old and still looks and smells good, it may still be usable. You can try mixing it with a small amount of fresh fuel to reduce any degradation. Using a good fuel stabilizer can help make the gasoline last longer and work better.
When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Taking a few extra minutes to check your fuel could save you from costly engine repairs in the future.
Dangers of Improper Gasoline Disposal
It is your responsibility to dispose of gasoline properly. Taking the right steps helps to prevent serious hazards.
Even if gasoline is old or stale, it is still highly flammable. It is extremely dangerous to handle it near heat, open flames, or sparks. Since gasoline vapours mix with the air, fires can spread quickly.
Breathing in gasoline fumes can be harmful. Inhaling the vapours while pouring can cause dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath. You might also feel a quick sense of intoxication. Long-term exposure can cause serious respiratory problems. In some communities, gasoline abuse is a serious problem because of its accessibility.
Accidentally swallowing gasoline is rare but dangerous. Even small amounts can damage internal organs, and contact with your eyes can cause harm. If it touches your skin, it can cause irritation or burning.
Gasoline and its additives are also linked to cancer. Throwing it in the trash or pouring it down the drain can have disastrous consequences. It can cause fires and poison the environment. One gallon can contaminate 750,000 gallons of water. Gasoline that leaks into the soil can kill plants and harm wildlife. Disposing of gasoline properly keeps you, your community, and the environment safe.
How Long Does Gasoline Last?
You may not realise it, but gasoline doesn’t last forever. Regular gas can go bad after three to six months. If it has ethanol, it may spoil even faster — sometimes in under three months.
Instead of stocking up on gas containers, just buy what you will use within two months. Having fresh gas when you need it is much easier than finding ways to get rid of old, unusable fuel.
If you want your gas to last longer, store it properly and consider using a fuel stabiliser. These products help keep the fuel in your tank from going bad too quickly.
FAQ’S
1. Can you reuse old gasoline?
If the gas is only slightly degraded, you can mix it with fresh gas and use it in lawn equipment. However, if it smells sour or looks cloudy, it’s best to dispose of it safely.
2. What happens if you accidentally spill gasoline?
Clean it immediately with absorbent materials like cat litter or baking soda. Avoid using water, as it can spread the spill. Ventilate the area to prevent fumes from building up.
3. Is there a way to make gasoline last longer?
Yes, using a fuel stabilizer can extend the life of gasoline for several months. Store it in an airtight, approved container away from heat sources.
4. Can gasoline be filtered and reused?
In some cases, filtering out debris and water may allow old gasoline to be reused in non-essential engines like lawnmowers, but it’s not recommended for cars due to possible contamination.
