Gasoline is so prevalent in our day-to-day lives that it’s easy to forget how hazardous of a compound it can be. Introducing gasoline into the environment can have serious consequences on wildlife.
It can affect public health, too, if that gasoline ends up in drains and sewer systems. Knowing how to dispose of old gasoline safely is important.
Old gasoline is rarely a problem in cars and other vehicles, which go through gasoline at a fast enough rate it doesn’t have a chance to go stale before it’s used.
You may encounter old gasoline in a car that’s been sitting idle for a few months or more, but if your car is driven regularly it’s not something you should have a problem with.
It’s more common to encounter stale gas in seasonal equipment, like lawnmowers or gas-powered heaters. If you forget to drain the tank before you put it into storage, odds are you’ll have stale gas to dispose of the next time you pull it out.
If you’re wondering what to do with old gas, we have some answers for you. We’ll walk you through what establishments offer gas disposal or recycling services, as well as ways to recondition and reuse gasoline that seems to be beyond its useful life.
How long can you store gasoline?
Short answer: three months. Longer answer: pure gasoline typically lasts up to six months before it begins to degrade from oxidation. Any water that finds its way into the gasoline sinks to the bottom of the can or tank.
Thus, you can avoid putting water into your tool or vehicle simply by not using the last dribble of your gasoline.
But today, over 80 percent of all U.S. stations sell gasoline containing up to 10 percent ethanol (E10). Ethanol tends to absorb water so that water effectively becomes part of the gasoline, making it less combustible.
Given this liability, it’s accurate to say that most gasoline sold at your local filling station will only last up to three months.
(N.B. Many automotive technicians caution that you shouldn’t let your vehicle’s gasoline tank get below one-quarter full, just so the fuel pump doesn’t suck up all that water.)
How to tell if gasoline is old
Gasoline is primarily composed of hydrocarbons refined from crude oil, along with various chemical additives to enhance stability and prevent corrosion.
Despite these additives, gasoline will eventually break down due to evaporation and oxidation, forming a sludgy varnish that can clog fuel systems.
Several factors contribute to gasoline degradation, including the following:
- Alcohol separation: Ethanol in the fuel can separate over time and damage engine components.
- Contamination: Rust, dirt, and other particles can enter the fuel tank.
- Microbial growth: Fungi and bacteria can thrive in stored gasoline, especially when exposed to temperature fluctuations.
- Oxidation: Exposure to air causes chemical changes in the fuel.
- Water absorption: Moisture from the air can mix with the gasoline.
Tips for Transporting Gas
#1. Use a Safe Container.
Only transport gas in a safe container. According to the National Ag Safety Database, your container should be made of heavy plastic and marked with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) symbol.
Gas should never be transported in plastic milk jugs, glass containers, or small plastic containers that have held other automotive liquids or other liquids like cooking oil.
These containers are not sturdy enough, cannot handle the expansion of the gasoline, and may degrade quickly causing leaks in the container.
Don’t ever fill the gas container while it is in your vehicle or the bed of a truck. Only fill it when it is on stable ground.
#2. Don’t Let it Move Around.
When you are transporting gasoline in your vehicle, secure it so the gas can does not move, slide, or tip over. Drive carefully to avoid sudden stops that could upset the gas can.
#3. Remove from Car Immediately After Arriving to Facility.
Do not leave the can in your vehicle when you arrive; remove it immediately. Don’t fill a gas can more than 95% full to allow for the expansion of fumes, and never smoke near an open gas container or when transporting gasoline in your vehicle.
#4. If it Spills, Clean Up ASAP.
In the event of a spill, be sure to clean it up immediately. Do not use a hose to wash away the fuel. This only spreads the gasoline to a larger area and can contaminate the nearby ground and water or enter into a storm drain.
The best way to clean up spilled gasoline is to use kitty litter to soak it up. Use a flat shovel to scoop the contaminated litter into a heavy-duty trash bag. It should not be placed in your trash, but taken to a disposal or recycling facility.
Can old gas be recycled?
Okay. Full disclosure. Hazardous Waste Experts is in the business of hazardous waste disposal.
So, we admittedly have a pecuniary interest in advising you on gasoline disposal and how to dispose of bad gas professionally, with good attention to RCRA requirements. But if you insist.
You can try reconditioning stale gasoline yourself. But remember kids, gasoline is highly flammable and extremely toxic. Stay far away from any heat source or open flame. And bear in mind that smoking is bad for your health.
All that said: To remove foreign particles from gasoline, pour it into a new container through a coffee filter or two layers of thin cloth. (Allow the filter to dry fully, then place it in the trash.)
Next, pour the gasoline into a transparent container. Wait until the water settles to the bottom. Then, carefully pour off as much of the gasoline as possible, leaving the water in the original container.
Add isopropyl alcohol to the reconditioned gasoline to break up any remaining water: about 12 ounces of isopropyl alcohol for every 10 gallons of gas.
Of course, you wouldn’t want to pour this stuff directly into your new $6,000 Cub Cadet (or $40,000 Subaru) and hope for the best.
Instead, you must mix this reconditioned gasoline with fresh gasoline in a 1:5 ratio. Then start hoping for the best.
How To Tell If Gasoline Is Not Good
Visual inspection is the most reliable method to determine if gasoline has gone bad. You can also take a quick sniff (not a full breath of fumes). Look for these signs:
- Color and clarity: Fresh gasoline is clear with a slight amber hue. Old gas becomes darker and cloudy.
- Contaminants: Check for rust or foreign particles at the bottom of the tank.
- Odor: New gasoline has a distinct, clean smell. Bad gas may have a musty, sour, or moldy scent.
If you notice any of these signs, we recommend disposing of the gasoline safely rather than risking damage to your engine.
How to Remove Old Gas from Your Cars Gas Tank?
Can I mix old gas with new gas? Yes, if it isn’t too old and doesn’t appear contaminated. However, it might be best to remove the old gas with these methods instead.
Draining a gas tank using a siphon pump
- Open the fuel filler door and take off the cap.
- Feed the end of the tubing into the fuel filler neck until it reaches the tank.
- Pump the fuel into your storage tank.
- Do this until all of the fuel is drained.
- Dispose of the fuel properly.
Draining a gas tank using the fuel tank drain plug
The majority of cars do not contain a fuel tank drain plug, but if yours does, you can follow these steps.
- Raise one back wheel and secure it with a jack stand.
- Set the parking brake and use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.
- Remove the drain plug to the fuel tank.
- Allow the fuel to flow into your drain pan.
- Replace the drain plug and dispose of the old gas.
How to Dispose of Old Gasoline
So, you shouldn’t dispose of gasoline using the drain, toilet, or trash can. But how should you dispose of it?
#1. Mix With New Gas and Use It.
First, try to use it if it’s not too old or contaminated. Dilute it with some fresh gasoline in a 1:1 ratio and use it with your weed wacker, lawn mower, or another small motor you don’t care about as much as your primary mode of transportation—your car.
#2. Hazardous Waste Center.
Next, if you just don’t want to have to deal with that, dispose of your gasoline using the resources provided by your local Hazardous Waste Disposal Center. Google “hazardous waste disposal near me” to find a nearby location.
#3. Community Hazardous Waste Collection Events.
Many areas offer free hazardous waste collection which includes old gasoline at regular intervals.
This is often done on a yearly or quarterly basis but some counties/cities/towns make this a monthly event. Check out your local government’s website or call them to see if some type of hazardous waste collection day is offered in your area.
#4. Contact Your Local Fire Department.
You can also call the fire department’s non-emergency line to get a recommendation on where/how to dispose of your old gasoline.
#5. Offer It to Landscapers.
If you notice a landscaping or lawn care company working nearby, see if they would want it.
As already mentioned, old gas diluted with fresh gas usually works perfectly well in lawn mowers and other small engine equipment. They may be happy to take it off your hands.
#6. Add Fuel Additives.
There are plenty of options out there, but those you’ll want to consider include fuel stabilizers, octane boosters, and fuel system cleaners.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the label for the proper amount of additive to use for your specific situation.
#7. Let It Evaporate.
While not the ideal method due to safety, if you only have a small amount, simply leaving the cap off a container of gasoline will eventually allow it to evaporate.
Even better is to pour some gas into a wide, open container in a sunny location. Never attempt this method in a closed space like your garage or shed.
Proper Storage Techniques for Gasoline
Storing gasoline correctly can significantly extend the fuel’s usable life and reduce the risk of accidents.
Best Containers for Gasoline Storage
Always use containers specifically designed and approved for gasoline storage. Modern plastic fuel cans are ideal because they resist corrosion, prevent contamination, and minimize evaporation. They also come in a range of sizes for different needs.
Avoid using old-style metal cans, which can rust and contaminate the fuel. Never store gasoline in glass jars or other unapproved containers.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Follow these tips to maximize the shelf life of your gasoline:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep containers in a separate building from your home.
- Make sure the storage area is well-ventilated.
- Avoid areas prone to temperature fluctuations.
- Keep gasoline away from any potential ignition sources.
Dangers of Improper Gasoline Disposal
Hazardous waste disposal of gasoline starts with you. It’s important to follow the steps mentioned above to reduce the hazards of improper gasoline disposal.
- Gasoline, even if it’s stale and old, is extremely flammable. Handling gasoline near heat sources, open fires, or sources of ignition is dangerous. In addition, since gasoline vapor mixes and spreads with air, gasoline-related fires can spread very quickly.
- Gasoline vapor is toxic. Inhaling vapors while pouring the gasoline into another container can lead to headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, intoxication, and euphoria. Prolonged exposure can cause serious respiratory problems. In impoverished communities, gasoline, being easily accessible, has become a common substance for abuse and addiction.
- It’s unlikely that one may ingest gasoline while disposing of it, but it can happen. Gasoline is toxic and can damage internal organs when ingested in large amounts. It can also damage the eyes through eye contact.
- Skin contact with old gasoline can cause irritation and, at least, a burning sensation.
- Gasoline and its additives are considered carcinogenic, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer.
- Disposing of gasoline with regular trash creates a potential fire hazard. The fuel could ignite under the right conditions.
- Irresponsibly disposing of gasoline down the drain contaminates the municipal water system. A gallon of gasoline can contaminate as much as 750,000 gallons of water.
- Improperly disposed of gasoline can cause environmental problems. Waste fuel can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. Flora that absorb gasoline through the soil or fauna that ingests it will most likely die or be struck with a serious ailment.
Make Your Gasoline Last Longer to Protect Our Environment
#1. Use Less Gas.
With any substance or material we use that ultimately needs to be disposed of, the best environmental approach is to reduce the amount you buy to begin with. The less you buy, the less impact it will have on the environment.
#2. Store Properly.
If you need to store gas for a period of time for use in a small engine, outdoor power equipment, or a lawnmower, keep it in a tightly closed government-approved fuel container. By properly storing your gasoline, you’ll ensure it’s safe to use for as long as possible.
#3. Use Fuel Stabilizer.
To further its life, add fuel stabilizer to it. This extends the life of the gasoline up to 12 months. It allows you to use it when you need it rather than letting it breakdown or contaminate.
FAQs.
Q: Can old gasoline be used?
In some cases, yes. You’ll need to check on how badly degraded it is first. Put a cone-shaped coffee filter into a funnel, then carefully pour the gasoline through it into a clear glass container, like a mason jar.
Make sure it’s something you don’t plan to use for food products. After you’ve filtered the gasoline, let it settle for a couple of minutes then inspect it. If it’s still cloudy or has a sour, rancid odor, it’s beyond useful life and should be disposed of.
Otherwise, you can mix this reconditioned gas with fresh gas, in a ratio of 1 part old to 4 parts fresh. The resulting tank might not work as efficiently, but it will power a lawnmower or a similar piece of equipment.
Q: Can you dump old gas on the ground?
No, you shouldn’t dump gasoline anywhere. In years past, people would dump old gasoline on the ground as a cheap alternative to weed killers. This should give you some indication of the impact gasoline has on the environment.
Once it rains, that gasoline is picked up and washed into the water supply, too, so it has further-reaching consequences than the patch of ground you pour it on.
Q: How long does it take gas to go bad?
If properly stored in a metal tank or tightly sealed plastic container, gasoline lasts up to 6 months on average.
Oxidation is the main reason gas degrades since the volatile compounds will evaporate with time. The more you can do to prevent exposure to the air, the longer your gas will last.
Q: Do gas stations dispose of old gas?
It is not common for gas stations to recycle gas, especially the convenience-oriented chains. Gas stations go through their gasoline quickly enough that they rarely have the need for disposal services.
Small local gas stations that also include service and repair shops may offer gas disposal services through that side of their business.
Q: Can I burn old gas?
Yes, old gasoline will still burn, just not at the level of efficiency required to run an engine. Burning off old gasoline is not a recommended method of disposal, however, as it’s very difficult to do safely in a home environment.
Conclusion
Disposing of gasoline through proper channels is a safe and responsible choice. While it does take a bit more effort to find a disposal service than it does to dump the old gas on the ground.
It’s a small price to pay to protect mother earth—and you’ll spare yourself the potential legal ramifications.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the best way to dispose of old gasoline. There are a lot more options out there than you probably realized.
No matter where you live or how much old gas you have, someone near you will be willing to take it off your hands.