Old Gasoline: How to Safely Dispose of It
Gasoline, whether you have it in your car, on your lawnmower, or in any of the other gas-powered equipment in your home, has a specific lifespan – especially when it gets older and the temperature changes from winter to summer or fall to spring. When gasoline reaches its expiration date, you’ll find that your equipment no longer runs as well, if at all. This can be due to both physical and chemical changes that occur within the gasoline itself. To avoid these dangerous and potentially hazardous situations, follow these simple instructions on how to safely dispose of old gasoline…
Gasoline is highly flammable
Old gasoline can be disposed of by going to the gas station and purchasing a gas jug. Fill the jug with old gasoline and take it to an approved landfill or disposal facility. Old gasoline is highly flammable, so make sure you have plenty of space around the container for any leaks to dissipate safely. The container should also be able to hold at least one gallon of liquid.
Make sure you don’t spill any gasoline before disposal
Once the container is cool, remove the lid, being careful not to spill any of the contents. Pour the old gasoline into a container designed for this purpose and seal it tightly. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing and make sure not to smoke when disposing of gasoline. Remember to use gloves and other personal protective equipment if necessary.
Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection when handling old gasoline
Always remember to wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection when handling old gasoline. Gasoline can cause a fire if it gets on skin or in the eyes. You should not use a container that has been previously used to store or hold gasoline as this could leak and make the gas even more flammable. When disposing of old gasoline always keep it away from open flames and sources of heat like furnaces, BBQ grills, water heaters, etc. It is important to remember that all these items are considered potential ignition sources so there should be no contact with them at any time during the disposal process.
Rinse out all containers thoroughly with water
Open all fuel-containing containers, pour the gasoline into a safe and sturdy container (such as a metal can or bucket), and rinse them out with water until they are completely empty. Allow the containers to air dry. Dispose of the old gasoline responsibly and at your local recycling center.
Old gas is unsafe for a variety of reasons. For one, storing fuel for too long can result in gasoline going bad, particularly if it is not stored in a climate-controlled environment. Fuel that has gone bad will develop corrosion and may contain water, both of which can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine when used. Even regular old gasoline becomes dangerous over time because fuel additives break down over time, so even fresh gas that’s been sitting around for months or years should be disposed of properly. Do not dispose of old gasoline down a drain or toilet as you run the risk of causing severe plumbing damage, creating an environmental hazard and harming aquatic life if done improperly.
Keep pets and children away from the area during cleanup
Gasoline doesn’t evaporate, so as it dries on surfaces or in the ground, it will keep leaking gas fumes. Pouring water over spilled gasoline and pouring dirt or sand over the area to cover it up are safe methods for dealing with old gasoline.
Do not use a wood stove to dispose of old gasoline
When to Dispose of Old Gasoline? If you have a car, it is always wise to know when you are ready to dispose of old gasoline. Even though old gasoline may be clean enough to drive with, it’s not worth the risk if you don’t know how much fuel may be left in the tank. There is a law that states that you must bring your old gas to an EPA-approved site by January 1st of each year. The best thing for those who need help disposing of their old gas is the state or county hazardous waste disposal site.
How to Dispose of Old Gasoline Safely? So what can be done with your old gasoline once it is time to get rid of it?
Don’t burn anything on your property until all gasoline evaporates from the soil
Be sure to dispose of old gasoline at a safe, designated disposal site. Burn your old gasoline in an approved container such as a metal barrel with wire mesh lining the bottom. If you plan to drive it, transfer the fuel to a new container that is labeled gasoline and don’t mix it with other fuels like diesel or kerosene.
Use paper or cardboard in fire pits if burning off remaining gasoline on your property
While this may be a messy and smelly process, using paper or cardboard in fire pits can get rid of gasoline left over from cars. Make sure to wet the firewood, because without moisture it will not stay lit. Burn the paper or cardboard until all that remains is ashes, which should be left to cool down for at least 24 hours before you dispose of them in a trash bag. If you are burning off old gasoline on your property and don’t have a fire pit nearby, you can use lye to dissolve the fuel.
