You know how it feels to pull out the lawnmower after storing it in the shed for months, open the gas cap, and then smell it? Not the clean, sharp scent of fresh fuel no, this is more like sour paint thinner. At that point, you recognize that you have a problem.
The first time I ran into this, I was clueless. I figured, it’s just gas, I will dump it somewhere and be done. Luckily, a neighbor stopped me because that simple solution could have ended with me paying a fine, ruining the soil, or worse.
I have had to get rid of old gas more times than I’d like to admit over the years. I now know just how to deal with it legally, safely, and without damaging my equipment or the environment.
Allow me to guide you through it as a friend who has experienced it firsthand.
The Reasons You Can’t Just Pour It Out
Most people make a mistake here. Since it’s a liquid, they believe it will simply seep into the ground.
This is the reality:
- A single gallon of gas can contaminate 750,000 gallons of water.
- In most places, it is prohibited to pour it into storm drains or soil.
- Even after months of sitting, gas fumes can catch fire.
I once witnessed someone light a match, apply old gas to a weed patch, and almost lose their eyebrows. Gas flashes in addition to burning. What about those fumes? They move quickly.
The lesson is that, unlike kitchen scraps, used gasoline is not considered “waste.” You must handle it as though it were a hazardous material.
1. Figure Out If the Gas Is Actually Bad
Finding out if the gas is contaminated or old is the first step. In my experience, old gas smells sour or like paint thinner, whereas fresh gas has a clear, sharp smell. While old gas may appear dark or hazy with sediment, fresh gas is visually clear.
Try it instead of guessing if you’re not sure. I once ran a small engine with a 1:4 mixture of fresh and dubious gas to see how it worked. It’s time to get rid of the gas if the engine has trouble starting or the exhaust has a strange smell.
Safety Tip: Always operate in an area with adequate ventilation, away from flames or sparks. To shield yourself from splashes, put on safety glasses and gloves.
Interactive Challenge: Take a clear glass jar and fill it with a tiny amount of your gas. Expose it to light. Is it hazy, discolored, or clear? To compare notes with others, please let us know in the comments.
2. Store Old Gas Safely Before Disposal
Store the gas correctly to reduce risks if you’re not ready to get rid of it right away. Too many people, in my experience, have left used gas cans near water heaters or in direct sunlight recipes for disaster. To prevent confusion, use a tight-sealed, UL-approved gas can and clearly mark it as “Old Gas.” Keep it away from heat sources in a cool, dry location, such as a garage or shed. I store hazardous materials in a special section of my garage, complete with a fireproof cabinet for added security.
Pro Tip: Use a siphon pump to empty the gas into an authorized container if it is in a car or piece of equipment. For years, I’ve relied on a hand pump to extract gas from confined spaces, such as a motorcycle tank.
Interactive Question: Where do you keep your used gas at the moment? Does it need to be upgraded, or is it in a secure container? I’ll give you personalized advice if you share your setup below.
3. Examine Your Reuse Options
Check to see if old gas can be reused before discarding it. When I first started, I tried to find new uses for gas because I detested the thought of wasting it. You can dilute the gas with new gas if it’s less than a year old and only slightly degraded. For low-stakes equipment like a leaf blower, I’ve successfully mixed fresh and old gas in a 1:10 ratio. It is not worth the risk of damage, though, to use diluted old gas in a car or high-performance engine.
Utilizing old gas as a solvent is an additional choice. Because it is flammable, I have only used tiny amounts to clean greasy tools or get rid of adhesive residue in well-ventilated areas and with extreme caution.
Caution: Do not burn used gas to dispose of it. A neighbor once attempted to “burn off” old gas in a fire pit, and the ensuing flare-up almost resulted in a catastrophe. Because of air pollution, it is unsafe and prohibited in many places.
Interactive Activity: Do you have any experience reusing used gas? Let’s talk about what worked and what didn’t after you share your thoughts or experience below.
4. Find a Disposal Facility
Proper disposal is critical when reuse is not an option. The majority of towns have recycling facilities or facilities for hazardous waste that take used gasoline. The procedure is usually simple, and I’ve taken innumerable cans to my neighborhood waste facility. To locate a drop-off location, visit your city’s website or give your local waste management authority a call. Small amounts of used gas are also accepted by some gas stations and auto shops, but make sure by calling in advance.
Gas, oil, and other chemicals can be disposed of at the county’s hazardous waste collection events, which are held a few times a year in my area. Although some facilities charge a small fee for larger quantities (usually over 5 gallons), these events are frequently free for locals.
Pro Tip: To avoid spills, transport gas in authorized containers and keep them upright in your car. For added protection, I always place a plastic tarp inside the trunk of my car.
Interactive Tip: Use the internet to find the hazardous waste facility in your area, then post the link in the comments. Let’s compile a list of resources for readers in various fields.
5. Observe the Disposal Regulations
Following local laws is important because disposal regulations differ depending on the location. Because gasoline is classified as hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, it is prohibited from being disposed of in regular trash, down the drain, or on the ground. I discovered this lesson when a friend of mine was fined heavily for pouring gas down a storm drain. To learn specific regulations, always consult your local authorities.
For instance, you cannot combine gas with other materials, such as oil or antifreeze, before disposing of it in California, where I have disposed of gas on several occasions. Additionally, certain establishments restrict how much you can bring at a time (usually 5 to 15 gallons).
Interactive Question: What local regulations govern disposal? To assist others in navigating their local regulations, share your findings below.
6. Avoid Future Problems
After getting rid of old gas, take precautions to keep the issue from happening again. It’s revolutionary that I now add a fuel stabilizer to any gas that I intend to keep for longer than a month. Gas life can be increased by up to two years with products like STA-BIL. Additionally, make an effort to only keep what you need in storage and deplete the gas in your equipment before extended periods of inactivity. To prevent accumulation, I always run my lawnmower dry at the end of the season.
Pro Tip: Record the times you fill equipment or gas cans. I keep track of my fuel inventory by using a basic spreadsheet to record purchase dates and stabilizer usage.
Interactive Challenge: Make your own plan for storing gas. How much gas will you need for the season, and how will it be stored? For feedback, share your plan below.
Final Thoughts
If you approach the disposal of old gas with caution and knowledge, it need not be an impossible task. Every stage, from evaluating the gas to locating a disposal site, is about environmental stewardship, safety, and accountability. I’ve learned from working with old gas for years that a little planning goes a long way, whether it’s setting aside time on my calendar for collection or purchasing a decent siphon pump. Following this guide will help you dispose of old gas in a safe, legal, and environmentally responsible manner.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings