So, you’ve spilled some gasoline onto your garage floor? Or: you’ve noticed that your stored gasoline’s gone bad? Either way, you’ll need to find a way to dispose of the liquid. In the safest manner possible, that is. That being said, let’s see how you can safely dispose of gasoline at home in just 10 steps!
Okay, so why should anyone treat gasoline with great care? It sounds a bit naive to ask that question, right? Still, one can never be too careful around the substance. Therefore, we’ll expand our talk to cover other gasoline-safety issues. Stay tuned for some useful info you’re used to seeing here, at GasAnswer!
Contact your local recycling center. Or, as an alternative, you can reach out to your local hazardous waste management center. Make sure you transfer your gas to the location in a safe manner. Keep the substance inside HDPE containers. Keep the containers inside a large plastic bin to prevent them from tipping over.
We can’t squeeze the 10 tips on safe gasoline disposal into a 60-word snippet. That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to read the whole thing!
Table of Contents
What’s the deal with gasoline safety?
We’ve talked about this subject a lot of times on our blog. Still, as we’ve said, one can’t get enough of gasoline safety. It’s for one’s own good, at the very least. So, what’s the deal with gasoline safety? Why’s everyone so concerned about it?
First of all, gasoline is a highly-flammable substance. Also, it releases (flammable) toxic vapors. Even though you might like the smell, you still shouldn’t inhale it. Anyway, gasoline needs to be stored in proper conditions. Just so you don’t “inspire” a total catastrophe.
Keep gasoline away from any potential heat sources. For instance, you need to place gasoline out of the path of direct sunlight. Also, keep it stored away from windows or heaters. For more tips on proper storage of gasoline, click right here.
Anyway, now we’ve stressed the importance of safely handling gasoline. Therefore, it’s time we see those tips. Here’s how to safely dispose of gasoline at home in 10 steps!
How to safely dispose of gasoline at home in just 10 steps?
Of course, no one likes to deal with old, “expired” gasoline. Still, it’s crucial that you dispose of the substance in the most efficient manner. Therefore, we’ve gathered some tips and put together a little step-by-step guide. You’ll see that it ain’t much of a hassle.
So, shall we begin? Here’s how you’ll safely dispose of gasoline at home in just 10 steps!
Step #1: Contact your local recycling center
The first thing that you’ll want to do is reach out to your local recycling authority. Keep in mind that some centers won’t accept gasoline. Anyway, your city’s government should possess all the contact info you need. Once you obtain the contact info, call the recycling center. See if there are any special instructions you’ll need to stick to.
Step #2: An alternative to recycling (total disposal)
If the above scenario for this or that reason doesn’t work out, try this. Reach out to your local hazardous waste disposal center. Once again, your city’s government should have the necessary contact info. Anyway, they won’t repurpose your gasoline. They’ll deal with it for good.
Remember to call ahead and see if there are any rules you need to follow. For instance, the disposal center might have specific operating hours.
Step #3: An alternative to both steps #1 and #2
Imagine, once again, that the above scenario did go as you planned. Don’t worry since there’s another alternative we’d like to introduce. Anyway, you’re able to contact a private disposal service provider. Also, it might be your best bet if you’ve got a lot of gas to get rid of.
You’ll find these businesses in a fairly simple manner. Just browse Google for “private hazardous waste disposal service”. Once you contact a certain provider, ask them about the fees and terms of service. Most importantly, check to see if they’re licensed. Hiring unlicensed providers is by all means a bad decision.
Lastly, keep in mind that this type of service might be a bit more on the expensive side.
Step #4: What about community events?
Now, this will be the last alternative to recycling bad gasoline. There are community events that encourage citizens to handle waste disposal safely. Therefore, many local governments host scheduled recycling and disposal events. Of course, contact your local government to check if there are any such events soon.
Step #5: Ensure the safe transfer of gasoline with HDPE containers
If you’re handling the transport on your own, here’s what you’ll do. Needless to say, you’ll need to do this with an approved gasoline container. They’re built from HDPE, a high-quality plastic material. Transfer your old gasoline into these cans.
Don’t forget to seal them tightly. You don’t want to risk spillage, trust us.
Step #6: Place the (approved) container inside a bin
The next thing you’ll do is place the gasoline containers inside a bin. This will prevent your containers from tipping over while you’re driving. Therefore, set them inside a larger plastic bin or tub. You’ll ensure that none of the gasoline spills inside your car, or falls on your skin. Once the transfer and disposal are over, wash the plastic bin or tub with water.
Step #7: At the disposal location
Let’s say you’ve arrived at the disposal location/facility. They’ll most probably want to keep your containers, too. Don’t hesitate to say goodbye to your gasoline containers. Otherwise, you’re risking a possible fine. Leave them behind.
However, they might as well allow you to keep the gas cans. If so, pour the gas out into a large tank. Do it with extreme care. Now, that should’ve done it, but we still got three more steps to go. You’ll see why that’s so in a few seconds.
Step #8: Our favorite term: an alternative (to everything)
Here’s the thing: maybe you don’t need to dispose of your old gasoline. You might be able to rejuvenate it. First of all, you’ll want to make sure that such an action’s doable.
To continue from that last sentence: sip your gas inside a clear container. If the liquid’s still clear (no residue or particles), it’s good. You might be able to bring it back to life. If your gasoline’s dark, muddy, or foul-smelling, it’s a sign you’ll want to dispose of it.
Here’s a tip: don’t use a drinking glass for this. You’ll want to throw away the clear container once you’re done.
Step #9: Mix old with fresh gasoline
In order to recondition your old gas, you’ll need to mix it with fresh gasoline. And yes, it’s possible to mix old and new gasoline. Anyway, this is how you’ll rejuvenate old gasoline:
- If the gasoline you’re dealing with is old, but not very old, mix the two in a 1:1 ratio.
- If the gasoline you’re dealing with is really old, the ratio should be 3:1 (new vs. old).
- Make sure you get the ratio right. If your tank’s full with old gas, drain it until it’s half-full. Afterward, sip the new gas. You can do this outside of the fuel tank: inside a container.
- Shake the container or rock your vehicle in a slight manner. Just so the two substances mix well.
That should’ve taken care of it.
Step #10: Prolong the lifespan of your gasoline
As one can assume, this has little or nothing to do with safe gasoline disposal. However, you don’t want to throw away your stored gasoline after only three months. That’s right, your objective is to prolong the shelf life of your gas. So, how will you do this?
Well, most experts (including us) would recommend that you use a fuel stabilizer. It’s well known that these products enhance the lifespan of your gasoline by three months to a year. Now that’s something!
How to safely dispose of gasoline at home in just 10 steps – a sum-up
Okay, so here we’ll once again go through all the important things we’ve mentioned today.
- Gasoline safety should be your number one priority when dealing with this liquid.
- The safe disposal of gasoline hasn’t got an alternative.
- There are many ways you can safely dispose of gas. Just check those alternatives we’ve mentioned above.
- Make sure you transfer the gas to the disposal location in approved, HDPE containers.
- Place the container inside a larger plastic bin. That way, you’ll prevent major spillage.
- Leave the containers behind or re-use them (if allowed).
- Instead of throwing away old gasoline, check its condition. You might be able to rejuvenate it.
- Prolong the lifespan of your fresh gas by using some fuel stabilizer.
That’s about it. All that’s left is to say goodbye!
Final thoughts on the subject
Alrighty, that was all, folks. Now you know how to safely dispose of gasoline at home. As we’ve already noted, gasoline’s not to be messed around with. Make sure you do this with great care.
For more tips on gasoline-related subjects, click right here.
