- Gasoline disposal methods<\/a><\/li>
- What makes gasoline go bad?<\/a><\/li>
- How can you tell if gasoline is still good?<\/a><\/li>
- Safely transporting gasoline for disposal<\/a><\/li>
- Improper gasoline disposal methods<\/a><\/li>
- FAQs about disposing of gasoline<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Gasoline disposal methods<\/span><\/h2>
![\"Vintage](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/AdobeStock_353388358.jpeg\")
Erik Nurshin<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Whether you\u2019ve got an old tank of gas sitting in the garage or need to drain fuel from your lawn mower due to performance issues, properly disposing of the fuel is important. How you dispose of it depends on where you live and local regulations.<\/p>
Ultimately, state environmental protection departments determine how citizens discard hazardous wastes, including unwanted or bad petroleum products like gasoline. While these disposal methods are typically safe bets, you should always check with your city or county and see what local regulations must be followed.<\/p>
Take the gas to a household hazardous waste facility (HHW)<\/span><\/h3>
In most areas, taking gasoline to a local HHW is the preferred disposal method. To use these facilities, you typically have to be a county resident, and they may charge a nominal fee. Check their website or call ahead to see if they take gasoline and their protocol.<\/p>
Find a local recycling center<\/span><\/h3>
Head to Earth 911<\/a>\u2019s gasoline page to find a local recycling center. Keep in mind that they may charge a small fee to accept gas.<\/p>
Attend a community collection event<\/span><\/h3>
Sometimes, local municipalities put on special waste-removal events to collect hazardous waste, including gasoline, paint, and motor oil. These events are typically complimentary for residents. Check your town\u2019s website to see if they offer such a service.<\/p>
Drop it off at your local fire department<\/span><\/h3>
Some local fire stations will take old gasoline off your hands and then send it to the proper facility for disposal. As always, check with the fire department before heading to the station to drop off your used gas \u2014 not all departments offer this service to their residents. <\/p>
Check with mechanics and garages in your community<\/span><\/h3>
If you fail to find a suitable alternative to the other disposal methods, contact local mechanics or the school district\u2019s bus garage and ask how they dispose of their excess or unwanted gas. After all, they must get rid of it, too.<\/p>
What makes gasoline go bad?<\/span><\/h2>
Gasoline comprises a mix of hydrocarbons \u2014 components refined from crude oil that provide power when burned in your engine \u2014 and other chemical compounds added to keep fuel stable and inhibit corrosion. However, exposure to oxygen, water, and other contaminants causes these compounds to degrade over time, creating a sludgy varnish.
This varnish decreases the gas\u2019 quality and performance. When you run bad gas through a fuel system when trying to mow your lawn<\/a>, the sludge clogs injectors, filters, and fuel lines, gumming everything up. <\/p>Dirt, rust, and other contaminants also find their way into your gas tank, which can cause an engine to perform sluggishly, or they can stop it altogether. When this happens, you\u2019ll need more than essential lawn mower maintenance<\/a> to get it running well again.<\/p>
How can you tell if gasoline is still good?<\/span><\/h2>
![\"pouring](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/AdobeStock_267856753.jpeg\")
alexlmx<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> How does it look?<\/span><\/h3>
Using your eyes is the best way to determine if your gasoline is still usable. You want to check its color and clarity. Newly refined, fresh gasoline is almost colorless with a slight amber coloration and is crystal clear.<\/p>
It gradually darkens as it breaks down and oxidizes, turning to an orangish or brownish hue. It also will become cloudy.<\/p>
Also, look for visible impurities. Rust and other foreign particles will settle out of the gasoline and sit in a layer on the bottom of the gas can. <\/p>
How does it smell?<\/span><\/h3>
Checking the gasoline\u2019s odor is another good indicator of its usability, but do this cautiously. Take a slight whiff instead of inhaling a hefty cloud of fumes.<\/p>
New, \u201cgood\u201d gas has that sharp, clean smell most people know. However, as gasoline degrades, the odor changes to musty or sour. This change happens as varnish and other impurities form.<\/p>
How does it perform?<\/span><\/h3>
If it looks and smells decent, but you have trouble with the engine you\u2019re using it in, there\u2019s a good chance it\u2019s no longer suitable. Common engine problems when using bad gas include failure to start, ignition hesitation, and stalling.<\/p>
Safely transporting gasoline for disposal<\/span><\/h2>
- Use an approved container with a Factory Mutual (FM)<\/a> or Underwriters Laboratory (UL)<\/a> symbol. Ensure the lid fits tightly and the plastic container is free of cracks.<\/li>
- Avoid transporting it in your vehicle’s passenger compartment. Instead, transport it in an open truck bed or trailer.<\/li>
- Keep the container away from flames, sparks, and hot surfaces.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t let the container slide around as you drive. Secure it with sturdy ropes or straps so it doesn\u2019t tip over or move when you make turns or sudden stops. <\/li>
- Remove it from your vehicle ASAP when you reach your destination. <\/li>
- Clean up spills immediately. Avoid using water to clean up gasoline since it only spreads it around. Use kitty litter to soak up the excess and then dispose of the litter in the same manner as gas.<\/li> <\/ul>
Improper gasoline disposal methods<\/span><\/h2>
![\"old,](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/gasoline-2501302_1280.jpg\")
Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> It may be tempting to dispose of your household hazardous waste more quickly by skipping the trip to a local household hazardous waste facility or a community collection event, but please don\u2019t. Although these disposal methods are easier, they pose significant risks to you, others, and the environment.<\/p>
- Don\u2019t place a container in your regular trash pickup \u2014 it could combust in the garbage truck or landfill.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t dump it on the ground \u2013 it has too much potential to trickle down to the groundwater or run into a storm drain, causing significant environmental problems. Plus, it can quickly kill your grass.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t pour it down a sink or toilet \u2014 it can contaminate local water supplies and is illegal.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t burn it \u2014 igniting a highly flammable product like gasoline is hazardous and can cause severe injury or even death.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t let it evaporate \u2014 exposure to gasoline fumes can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.<\/li> <\/ul>
FAQs about disposing of gasoline<\/span><\/h2>
How long can gas sit in a can?<\/span><\/h3>
Proper storage guidelines ensure the gas stays stable and usable for six to 12 months. Store gasoline in a clean, sealed container out of direct sunlight and heat. Exposure to moisture, oxygen, and contaminants causes degradation.<\/p>
Can you mix bad gasoline with fresh?<\/span><\/h3>
If you have a small amount of bad gasoline (that hasn\u2019t been sitting for years), you may be able to mix it with fresh gas in small quantities and use it in your lawnmower or string trimmer. Strain the old fuel through a coffee filter to remove impurities, and then dilute it to a 1:5 ratio with the new gasoline.<\/p>
How do you siphon bad gas from a lawnmower?<\/span><\/h3>
Avoid using your mouth to siphon gas out of the tank when working with gasoline. Instead, use a manual pump and a hose to prevent swallowing or inhaling the gas. <\/p>
Leave it to a professional to worry about old gas<\/span><\/h2>
Why not hire a lawn service instead of worrying about maintaining lawn equipment and disposing of your old gas? Lawn Love can connect you with a local, highly-rated lawn care pro<\/a> who can handle the gas in his own mower. In turn, all you need to worry about is keeping gas in your car so you can spend your free time traveling instead of cutting grass.<\/p>
Main Photo Credit: jdoms<\/a> | Adobe Stock Free | License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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- What makes gasoline go bad?<\/a><\/li>