How to Get Rid of Old Gasoline Safely and Legally

Old gasoline is easy to forget about, and it can be a hassle to figure out how to get rid of it once it’s past its prime. Maybe you’ve got a gas can stashed away from last summer’s lawn care, or you replaced an old gas-powered tool and ended up with leftover fuel that’s just too old to be useful. No matter what it’s from, gasoline breaks down over time and needs to be disposed of, and it can become a major hazard if you don’t handle it properly.   Contrary to what many people assume, you can’t just throw old gas in the trash or pour it down the drain (or into the yard). Gas is highly flammable, so it can start a fire or even an explosion if it’s put in with regular trash. It’s also toxic to the environment, contaminating drinking water and harming ecosystems if it leaks into soil or water sources. Knowing the right way to store gas and where to take it when it needs to go is key to keeping both your home and the planet safe—not to mention avoiding fines and even criminal charges for improper disposal.   In this guide, we’ll cover what to look out for when dealing with old gasoline, tips on how to safely store it, and the best options for disposing of or recycling it—such as hazardous waste facilities, local recycling centers, and community collection events.  

Key Takeaways

 

• Never pour old gasoline down the sink, on the ground, or into storm drains. Doing any of this is both dangerous and illegal.
• Keep old gas stored safely in approved containers, away from any heat or open flames, until you can get rid of it the right way.
• Reach out to your local hazardous waste center or your city’s waste disposal department to find the safest places to drop off old gasoline.

 

Why You Can’t Just Pour Gasoline Out or Throw it Away

  A lot of people don’t realize how damaging dumping old gasoline can be. While it might be the easiest solution, it’s definitely not worth the risks. Pouring gas down the drain, onto the soil, or into storm sewers is bad for the environment and highly illegal in most places.   Gasoline contains chemicals that are toxic to plants, animals, and humans. Even a small spill can have a big impact on surrounding ecosystems. When gas seeps into the ground, it can contaminate the soil and eventually make its way into groundwater, which are necessary to provide clean drinking water.   This contamination is tough to clean up, and exposure to gasoline can pose health risks like headaches, nausea, or even worse if it is prolonged. On top of that, gasoline vapors are highly flammable and can build up in enclosed spaces (like trash cans) or underground drainage systems, creating serious fire and explosion hazards.   Aside from the environmental and safety risks, improper disposal can lead to hefty fines or criminal charges in some cases. You can actually be imprisoned for it, regardless of if you were aware that it was wrong.   So, as simple as it might be to dump out your leftover gas and just forget about it, the consequences make it a risk you don’t want to take. The safest and smartest choice is to keep it out of the environment altogether and get rid of it the right way.  

How to Tell When Gasoline Has Gone Bad

  There’s not necessarily a set expiration date for gasoline, but it does go bad after a while. Usually, it lasts about 3 to 6 months, and sometimes less if it’s been sitting exposed to air, moisture, or heat. After that, it starts breaking down, losing its potency and even affecting your equipment or vehicle.   Using old gas can cause poor engine performance, clogged fuel filters, or long-term damage. Depending on how it’s been stored, it’s usually a good idea to get rid of gas that’s been around for more than about 90 days.   You can usually tell if your gas has gone bad by checking the way it looks and smells. Fresh gas has a strong, kind of sweet smell, but old gas tends to turn sour or smell like varnish. The color might get darker or appear cloudy, and you might spot bits or sediment floating around. Gas should also flow easily, so if it feels sticky or syrupy, it’s definitely past its prime.   When in doubt, it’s safer to just to err on the side of caution and dispose of it the right way instead of risking damage to your engine or other problems.  

How to Safely Store Old Gasoline

  If you can’t immediately get rid of it, you need to store your old gasoline safely until you can. Make sure to always use metal or plastic containers that were designed for storing gas. Those classic red gas cans with secure, vented caps are ideal for this. Never put gas in a glass container since they are incredibly breakable. You’ll also want to write the contents and date on the containers clearly so no one gets confused.   Keep the gas away from any heat sources, sparks, flames, or electrical equipment. That means no storing in a hot garage or near your furnace. Put the containers off the ground on a stable surface like a shelf to reduce the risk of leaks.   Try not to keep gasoline for longer than six months at the most. The longer it sits, the more it breaks down and the less safe it becomes. These steps help to prevent spills, leaks, or fires while you wait to properly dispose of your gas.  

Where to Take Old Gasoline to be Disposed of

  Now, to answer the question of how to actually get rid of old gasoline. While every area has its own unique set of regulations surrounding gas, there are a few main options for safe and legal disposal.   First, you can take it to a hazardous waste management facility. The majority of cities and counties have designated hazardous waste collection centers or scheduled days where you can drop things off. These places are equipped to properly handle gas, paint, batteries, and other dangerous items that require specialized disposal.   The next approach is to check your local government’s website and see if there are any collection events for household hazardous waste. Finally, you can use tools like Earth911’s recycling locator to find places where you can drop off old gasoline. Some facilities are able to recycle old gas or re-refine it and turn it back into usable fuel.   If none of these methods work, you could ask around and see if any fire departments or auto repair shops will accept old gas. Not all of them do, but it’s still worth a shot if you’re out of luck with the other routes.   No matter how you choose to get rid of your old gas, be sure to call ahead to confirm what types of materials each place accepts and anything specific you might need to do before dropping off your gas. It’s easier to inquire now than waste your time bringing it there and then find out they won’t take it.  

How to Protect Yourself When Handling Gasoline

  Gasoline is a dangerous substance, so it’s important to be cautious when you’re handling it. Always wear personal protective equipment like goggles and gloves so it doesn’t get on your skin or into your eyes. To prevent breathing in fumes, work in an area that’s open and well-ventilated. Stay at least 50 feet from any sources of ignition and do not smoke anywhere near the gas to reduce the risk of fires or explosions.   If you’re driving the gas to a disposal facility, keep it in a tightly sealed container and place it upright in your vehicle’s trunk or bed. You might also need to secure it with bungee cords or straps to avoid it rolling around or spilling while you drive.   If a small amount does accidentally spill, sprinkle an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand to soak it up as soon as possible, and use fans to get the air flowing if it happens indoors. For any larger spills, call 911 or your local fire department for guidance on how to effectively clean it up.  

When and How You Might be Able to Reuse Old Gasoline

  If your gasoline is just slightly on the older side but not completely unusable yet, some people mix it with fresh fuel to squeeze a bit more use out of it. This usually works best for lawnmowers, weed eaters, or other outdoor equipment. It can be a bit of a gamble though, so be careful. If the old gas has already started to break down, it might gum up your engine, make your equipment run badly, or worse.   As a general rule of thumb, the best thing to do is dispose of old gasoline properly instead of attempting to reuse it and risking costly damages or unsafe operation. That said, if you decide you do want to try to rejuvenate old gas and use it, keep the ratio of old gas as small as possible (maybe no more than 25% old gas to 75% new gas).   Once you’ve combined the two, pour in a fuel stabilizer to help it last longer. It’s best to only use a mixture of old and new gas in machines that aren’t critical or hard to repair, but you can sometimes use it in a vehicle if the old gas truly shows no signs of degradation.  

Final Thoughts

  You might not think much of it, but disposing of old gasoline isn’t something you want to take lightly. It’s toxic, flammable, and incredibly harmful to the environment, and mishandling it can lead to serious consequences.   Store your gas safely in approved containers, don’t pour it down drains or onto the ground, never throw it away, and visit a hazardous waste facility or recycling center to dispose of it in the safest and most responsible manner.   If you can’t figure out where to take it, check with your local authorities to find places that can handle old gasoline. That way, you can be sure that you won’t run into any fines or other legal repercussions for improper disposal.  

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is it safe to pour old gasoline into my yard or down the sink?

  Absolutely not. This can contaminate soil and groundwater, harm wildlife, and cause serious environmental damage. It’s also illegal in most areas and can result in significant fines and possibly criminal charges as well.  

How long does gasoline typically last before it goes bad?

  In general, gasoline lasts about 3 to 6 months before it starts breaking down, although it can vary depending on the way it is stored. After that time, it begins to lose potency, can cause engine issues, and becomes unsafe to use.  

Where can I dispose of old gasoline near me?

  Find your nearest hazardous waste management facility or check if your city has any household hazardous waste collection events you can take it to. You can also do a search using Earth911.com’s recycling locator to see if there are any locations that will accept old gasoline. Sometimes, auto repair shops or fire departments will also take it off your hands, but call and ask first.  

Can I reuse my old gasoline?

  In some cases, yes. Slightly older gas can be mixed in small amounts with fresh fuel (generally no more than 1 part old to 3 parts new) for use in equipment and potentially even vehicles, but it’s risky. If it smells sour, looks dark, or contains sediment, it’s safer to just get rid of it.  

How do I transport old gasoline safely to a disposal site?

  Put the gasoline in an approved gasoline container with a secure cap, keep it upright in your vehicle’s trunk or truck bed, and secure it well so it doesn’t tip over. Avoid transporting in enclosed spaces when possible, and never smoke or keep any sources of ignition nearby.  

What should I do if I accidentally spill gasoline?

  Use fans to ventilate the area immediately. If it’s a small spill, cover with kitty litter or sand, then sweep into a sealed bag for hazardous waste disposal. If it’s a large spill, keep all flames and sparks away, evacuate the area, and call your local fire department or 911. Never wash gasoline into drains or soil.