While a valuable commodity, gasoline is also a headache to deal with once it is old and contaminated. When gasoline that isn’t combusted is introduced into the environment, it can endanger the environment and public health.
Not only is it highly flammable and toxic to living organisms, but the uncontrolled burning of gasoline can produce a considerable amount of carbon monoxide and soot, which could pollute the air.
Liquid gasoline can seep into the ground and penetrate the groundwater, contaminating the municipal potable water sources. So what is the best method for Disposing of old gasoline? Keep reading to learn more.
What are the laws on gasoline disposal?
With serious environmental, health, and legal repercussions in mind, gasoline disposal should be done according to federal or state public and environmental safety regulations.
United States
According to the U.S. federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), gasoline is classified as a “characteristic hazardous waste” because it exhibits two main characteristics:
- Ignitability – the propensity of a material to easily catch fire, combust, or explode even at ambient temperatures
- Toxicity – the propensity of a material to cause organ damage, injury, or death when an organism ingests it or is exposed to it.
In the U.S., the disposal, management, and handling of hazardous wastes such as gasoline are regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The EPA is the enforcing arm of RCRA regulations.
The RCRA often requires hazardous waste generators to track its life cycle, commonly called “cradle to grave” requirements from its manufacture to its final disposal. This record allows the EPA to lessen illegally disposed hazardous waste.
Canada
The Environmental Management Act (EMA) prohibits the introduction of waste into the environment in a way that will cause pollution, except following a regulation, permit approval or code of practice issued under the Act. Under the EMA, the Hazardous Waste Regulation (HWR) addresses the proper handling and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Can you dump old gas on the ground?
No. Improperly and illegally disposing of gasoline can damage the landscape, kill animals, contaminate water sources, and even pose a serious fire risk.
Here are some reasons why you should not dump old gas onto the ground;
- 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. In addition, prolonged exposure can cause serious respiratory problems.
- 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 irritate and, at least, a burning sensation.
- Gasoline and its additives are considered carcinogenic, meaning they can 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 disposing of gasoline can cause environmental problems. Waste fuel can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. Flora that absorbs gasoline through the soil or fauna that ingests it will most likely die or be struck with a serious ailment.
How do you dispose of gasoline at home?
Before disposing of fuel, try to see if you can reuse it.
- Pour the gasoline into a new container through a coffee filter or two layers of thin cloth to remove particles.
- Allow the filter to fully dry, then place it in the trash.
- If small amounts of water are present, add isopropanol, a fuel dryer. This will break up the remaining water and prevent it from entering the engine in large volumes.
- Reconditioned gasoline can be combined with new gasoline in a 1:5 ratio.
- An octane booster may also be added to restore the gasoline.
If the gasoline is not salvageable, proceed to dispose of it as follows;
- Check the appearance and smell of the gasoline to determine its usability.
- If the older gas isn’t contaminated, dilute it with fresh fuel for reuse (optional).
- Locate the nearest hazardous waste disposal in your area.
- Transfer gasoline to a government-certified container.
- Speedily and thoroughly clean up any gasoline spills.
- Transport gasoline to the disposal center.
How to Store Gasoline Properly and Safely Before Disposal
- Please keep the product in its original container with the label intact.
- Place leaking containers in larger, leak-proof containers clearly labeled with the contents.
- If possible, store products out of reach of children and pets, away from heat, and away from the house.
- Store liquid flammables in their original containers or UL-approved metal safety cans, available from hardware stores.
- Reduce disposal problems by using smaller amounts of hazardous substances or substituting less hazardous substances where possible.
How to dispose of gasoline with water in it
- Pour gasoline into a transparent container and allow the water to settle to the bottom.
- Slowly and carefully pour off as much gasoline as possible, leaving all the water in the original container.
- A fuel dryer, isopropanol, can also be added to the gasoline or an octane booster.
- Reconditioned gas can be combined with fresh gasoline in a 1:5 ratio.
- Move the remaining liquid into a shallow container in a well-ventilated area.
- Please keep away from sources of ignition, children, and pets, and allow it to evaporate fully.
Where can you throw away gasoline?
- Many municipal recycling centers offer gasoline recycling and disposal in their recycling centers –. Note that your center may have certain schedules for gasoline recycling. Contact your local government or the recycling plants themselves for specifics. Or google Gasoline disposal near me.
- Find a hazardous waste disposal facility that treats sold gasoline to be discarded safely and properly.
- Services providers like ACT Enviro have disposal specialists, equipment, and facilities that allow them to collect and dispose of your old gasoline properly.
- Local government departments, non-government units, businesses, and organizations often hold recycling events; to encourage people to recycle their stuff. Check with the organizers of these events.
- Fire departments are often willing to dispose of old gasoline safely.
- Auto repair shops and DIY garages buy and accept old gasoline for repurposing. Mechanics often use the old gasoline as an engine block cleaner, tractor fuel, fuel for waste oil heaters, and more. They also take care of disposing of the gas and keeping the container for their use.
Note: Do not throw gasoline along with the municipal trash. Additionally, don’t pour waste gasoline down the drain.
Gasoline Disposal 101
Below are some tips to help you handle Dispose of gasoline at home like a pro;
- To check if the gasoline is old or contaminated. First, pour some of the fuel into a clear glass container. Then, pour some fresh gasoline; this will be your comparison.
- Check the containers. If the old gasoline is noticeably darker than the fresh one, it has most likely aged to the point of being unusable.
- If you see particles of rust, dirt, and sediments floating around or settling on the container’s bottom, the gasoline is contaminated and should not be reused.
- You can still use old gasoline again if it is not contaminated. However, on its own, it may not have enough combustibility to burn and get an internal combustion engine running.
Note: Use more fresh gasoline than the old one. And it is not advisable to use old gasoline on modern cars.
Check this too: What Is The Problem With Diesel Particulate Filters?
Safety Precautions
- Use a funnel and carefully transfer the old or contaminated gasoline into a gasoline disposal container. The container should be certified specifically for holding gasoline.
- Do not use ordinary plastic jugs or glass jars. Instead, you can purchase government-approved and certified containers from gas stations or automotive centers.
- Pour the old gasoline slowly to prevent splashing or spilling. Keep your face away as far as you can from the sprout, and wear a face mask. After you finish pouring the old gasoline, close the container tightly.
- You can use the container multiple times until it is 95% full. Don’t fill it to the brim to allow space for fumes.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place far away from children, pets, and heat sources. Don’t leave the container outdoors because outside elements can hasten the deterioration of that container.
- When it’s time to dispose of the contents, position the container upright in a second receptacle such as a plastic bin or rubber cooler. The second receptacle is a safety net if the gasoline container topples over or suffers a leak.