Skip to content
motorbeast logo
  • Autos
  • Audio
  • Bikes
  • Batteries
  • Detailing
  • Oils
  • Parts
  • Questions
  • Roof Boxes
  • Scanners

How to dispose of old gas – best way to dispose, when should gas be disposed of?

Written BySteve Riley

Old gasoline is highly inflammable even when not used for a long time. This necessitates a…

Old gasoline is highly inflammable even when not used for a long time. This necessitates a safe disposal method that is environmentally friendly and that complies with any regulatory laws.

Leaving gasoline lying around in your garage is a disaster in the making. For one, someone may accidentally decide to have a smoke near the gasoline container or an electrical fault may ignite a spark that will set off the gasoline.

Before settling on a safe gasoline disposal method it is prudent you check with local authorities on what the law says about disposal of inflammable items.

Determine whether old gas is reusable

Before making that decision to dispose of your old gas you may want to check whether it is still reusable. If your gas is not that old or hasn’t developed a dark color you can mix it with new gasoline and use it in some of your machinery like the lawnmower. If you notice it has a sour smell and you cannot remember the last time you used, it is time to dispose it. First, find a gasoline recommended container and pour the contents into it.

Old gasoline that is ready for disposal has a foul smell like rotting fruits and when you try to pour it you will notice some clumps floating around. New gasoline is visible and flows well. But, unusable gasoline has a dark color. If you cannot view the gasoline try running your engine. If it makes a thumping sound then it is time to dispose it.

Inquire for recycling centers

Most developed cities have collection centers where you can dispose chemical or highly inflammable liquids like gasoline. A call to your city authority will give you information on the nearest center. If your local authority does not have one look for hazardous centers. You will need to be extremely careful when transferring oil gas to the government recommended container. Any spills should be washed off immediately. Also, wash your hands with soapy water on your way to the disposal center.

Professional disposal services

The decision to hire a professional disposal company will depend on the quantity of gasoline that you have. However, note that professional disposal services charge a fee for disposal. First, Google a professional disposal service near you, next check whether local authorities license them. The best part about contracting such services is you do not worry about packaging or disposal.

Fire department

Your local department probably handles many gasoline incidents. They have the expertise and knowledge on safe disposal of gasoline. When you contact your local fire department they may either suggest a safe disposal place or dispose the container for you. If you talk to them nicely they will not charge you anything.

Auto Repair Shop

Another good suggestion for safe disposal of gasoline is auto shops. They often deal with several inflammable objects like gas, transmission fluid and various oils. You will need to create a relationship with them and they can even do it for you for free.

Local community collection event

This will depend on your city. In some places the community will hold an event where they encourage citizens to bring their old inflammable fluids for safe disposal. They will then collect the items and dispose them collectively. This is often free but you need to check with your local authorities whether they offer the service and what items are allowed.

How to deal with gasoline spills

Gasoline is highly inflammable meaning you have to be extra careful how you handle it. If you happen to spill some gasoline on the floor, it is prudent you take care of the spill immediately. Mostly, baking soda will do the trick. Cover the area with the solution, then wait for a few minutes before scrubbing it off. If there is spills on your clothes, change them and wash them off with some hot soapy water. Before, hanging your clothes for drying ensure they no longer smell of gasoline. When disposing your gasoline container ensure you do not smoke or encounter someone who does.

Gasoline container

In every city there is an approved gasoline container that is recommended for storing gas. Most of these containers weigh 5 gallons and are designed to be safe for carrying gasoline. If you are not going to be disposing your gasoline immediately, it is prudent that you first label the container gasoline. This prevents someone from accidentally using the fluid. Ensure you have properly sealed the lid as gasoline is known to evaporate. When storing the container ensure it is upright so that it does not accidentally spill.

What you should not do with old gas

Draining gasoline in the sewerage system: This can be tempting as many people assume that the water will neutralize gasoline. However, gasoline contains various poisonous chemicals that can harm the environment. When you drain it through the sewerage system it can find its way to the water supply system hence pose a hazard to the plants and ecosystem. It is also not recommended to drain your old gasoline on your backyard.

Throw it with the trash: This is a disaster in the making. Gasoline is highly inflammable and a single spark from a cigarette can cause a massive explosion no matter how stale the gasoline is. This method is not only dangerous but it is illegal in most jurisdictions. It is also not recommended to leave your gasoline container outside for long durations. Some of this containers can develop cracks and start leaking. If you have a metallic container then it susceptible to rust.

Inhaling gasoline: it is also dangerous to inhale gasoline vapors. If you accidentally do or swallow it by mistake, take some milk. If the gasoline has gotten to your face or eyes, wash them with lots of water. If you experience further symptoms, it would be prudent to seek further medical help.

Checking the quality of gasoline for re-use is not as complicated as some people think. You do not have to be a certified chemist to tell whether the old gasoline is safe for use. This method always works. First, pour the old gasoline into clear glass container.

What you should be checking for is the color of the gasoline and sentiments. If you notice it has a dark color and their some sentiments that have settled at the bottom of the container know that it is time to dispose that gasoline. Old gasoline also has a rotten smell. You should not use such gas in your car as it will contaminate your fuel system. It will also cost you more if there is engine damage.

Conclusion

Gasoline has become an essential component of our everyday lives. It is what we use to drive our cars and machinery on a daily basis. However, gasoline has a finite shell life. After, this it develops a darker color and has a foul smell. The first part in safe disposal of gasoline is to determine whether you can re-use it.

If it is reusable you can mix it with new gasoline and use it for your machinery. If the gasoline is stale then identify a recommended government container where you can store it for safe disposal. You can contact your local authorities for safe disposal centers, contact a professional disposal company, and talk to the local fire department or an auto shop.

Post Views: 12
Post Tags: #Fuel

Related Posts

  • Which Gas Stations Have the Best Quality Gas in US?
  • E85 Gas: Is it good for my car
  • Top 10 Best Mechanical Fuel Pumps
  • What You Need To Know About EVAP Systems
why-does-the-check-engine-light-stay-on-after-fixing-problem
The check engine light on your car is an important light that tells you when there is a minor or major issue with your engine. Do NOT ignore it.
what-are-jeep-door-problems
Ever had trouble locking or unlocking your Jeep doors? Well you...

Car Vacuum Cleaner

Bestseller No. 1 FRESMOL Car Vacuum, Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner High Power...
FRESMOL Car Vacuum, Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner High Power...
$29.99
Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping
SaleBestseller No. 2 ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner - Car Accessories - Small 12V High...
ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner - Car Accessories - Small 12V High...
$29.99
Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping
SaleBestseller No. 3 Hand Held Vacuuming Cordless Rechargeable-10K PA Strong Suction...
Hand Held Vacuuming Cordless Rechargeable-10K PA Strong Suction...
$39.99
Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping

Last update on 2023-03-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

duralast-gold-battery-vs-duralast-platinum-battery-or-a-completely-different-battery
Is It Duralast Gold or Duralast Platinum Batteries are probably the...
Choosing between AGM and gel batteries for your car is a...

Affiliate Disclosure

We are an affiliate. We hope you like our recommendations! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this website. Thank you for using our links, it helps to grow our website.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Statement

© 2023 MotorBeast Motorbeast.Org

Manage your privacy

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Statistics

Marketing

Features
Always active

Always active
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
Manage your privacy
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
Scroll to top
  • Autos
  • Audio
  • Bikes
  • Batteries
  • Detailing
  • Oils
  • Parts
  • Questions
  • Roof Boxes
  • Scanners
Search