While gasoline is a critical fuel for vehicles and equipment, it has a limited shelf-life and ultimately will go old. Old gas, whether it has lingered too long in a car, lawnmower, or storage container, should not be casually disposed of. Disposing of such products improperly can damage the environment, contaminate soil and water and seriously endanger our health. This guide will essentially walk you through the safest and most eco-friendly ways of disposing your old gas without hurting the environment.
Why Dispose of Old Gas the Right Way?
Gasoline is extremely toxic and flammable. Improper disposal can cause when broken down in landfills:
Pollute water sources and render it not suitable for drinking and marine life.
Harm the land, impacting vegetation and farming.
Pollute the air with harmful fumes, which can contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems.
Raise the risk of fires and explosions.
This will help to protect the environment and keep the community safe.
How to Recognize Old or Bad Gas
First, it’s important to ascertain whether gas is indeed unusable before disposing of it. Here are some symptoms that gasoline is not good:
Foul or Sour Smell
New gas has a sharp but non-offensive odor, but older gas smells dirty or sour.
Darker or Cloudy Look
Gas should be clear. If it’s changed color or has particulates floating in it, it probably has degraded.
Decreased Engine Performance
If you try to use old gas in an engine, it can lead to sputtering, trouble starting, or loss of efficiency.
If the gas has begun to degrade, you may be able to recondition it by combining it with fresh gasoline. But if it’s no longer useful at all, you have to throw it in a safe way.
How to Dispose of Old Gas Safely
Most municipalities have hazardous waste sites where you can take old gas and be safe. Follow these steps:
Find a hazardous waste disposal center
Contact your local government, waste management facility or environmental protection agency for the closest drop-off site.
Pack the gas safely Transport the gas
Use an approved gasoline container to minimize leaks and spills.
Check local disposal guidelines
Some centers may have certain drop-off days or you may need to make an appointment.
Reach Out to Local Auto Shops or Recycling Centers
Some mechanics, auto shops and recycling centers will accept old gasoline for safe disposal or recycling. They might even have ways to filter and reuse the fuel cleanly. Call ahead to see if they’re taking gas, and what steps they’re taking.
Going to a Community Household Hazardous Waste Event
Some communities also offer special collection events where residents can take hazardous materials, such as gasoline. These events ensure that older gas is addressed and processed properly.
Reuse
As a rule of thumb, mix small amounts with fresh gas.
If the gasoline is mildly degraded, you might dilute it with fresh gas and use it in lawnmowers, chainsaws or other small-engine equipment. Old gas should never be used in performance engines, as old gas can cause damage.
If you have to mix old gas with new gas:
Strain the old gas through a fine mesh or coffee filter for a clean flow without debris and contaminants.
Dilute the old gas with new gas at a ratio of 1:5 (one part energy to five parts new gas) to minimize engine problems.
Use the blended gas in equipment that does not need high fuel efficiency.
Evaporate Gas in Small Increments (Last Option)
If you only had a small amount of old gasoline, in some areas, you could safely evaporate it. Follow these precautions:
Locate an open outdoor area away from people, animals and flames.
Bubble the gas in a wide, shallow pan to force evaporation.
Never do this in large batches, because gasoline vapors add to air pollution and are a health hazard.
Check local regulations to see if this method is allowed in your area as it may not be in all places.
What NOT to Do When Getting Rid of Gas
Never Dispose of It Down Drains, Toilets or Sewer Systems
Gasoline is extremely toxic and can pollute water supplies. Dumping it down drains or into sewer systems is illegal in most areas and can lead to severe environmental damage and fines.
Do Not Dump It on the Ground
Gasoline can also leak into the soil and contaminate underground water sources. This is harmful to both human health and the ecosystem.
Avoid Burning Gasoline
Combustion of gasoline releases toxic substances into the atmosphere, and it can lead to serious fires or explosions.
Do Not Throw It in the Trash
Gasoline-soaked materials or containers may ignite on their own and become a risk of fire in landfills and trash containers.
How to Store Gasoline So It Doesn’t Go to Waste
To minimize the need to throw gasoline away, make sure to store gasoline properly:
Be sure your gas is stored in an approved container – Do not use any old plastic or glass bottles to store gas.
Store it in a cool, dry place — Heat makes gas evaporate and degrade more quickly.
Using fuel stabilizers – In case you are wondering, adding a stabilizer increases the life of gasoline up to 12 months.
Label and date the container — It will help you keep track of how old it is and use it before it spoils.
Final Thoughts
This causes all kinds of problems, so get rid of old gas the right way and save a little help to the environment, if not them. Reducing pollution and waste by disposing of old gas at a hazardous waste center, recycling it at auto shops, or safely reusing it in small amounts. Always obey local laws and do not dispose of gasoline in any manner that could harm people, animals or natural resources.
Going the extra mile to get rid of old gas properly helps make the world a cleaner and safer place for all.