Gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment are part of our daily lives. However, the petroleum-based fuel that powers them can pose serious health, environmental, and fire hazards if not handled properly.
Every homeowner and vehicle owner should understand how to store, use, and dispose of gasoline safely. This guide will walk you through the essential considerations for managing gasoline.
How Long Does Gasoline Last?
Only buy gas when you expect to use before it degrades. Regular gasoline lasts three to six months, premium or high-octane fuel lasts up to nine months, and diesel can last up to a year. However, it can go bad sooner if not properly stored (more on that below).
The fuel in regularly used vehicles and equipment should remain in good condition, but gasoline in less frequently used machines can deteriorate over time.
What Makes Gasoline Go Bad?
Gasoline is primarily composed of hydrocarbons refined from crude oil, along with various chemical additives to enhance stability and prevent corrosion. Despite these additives, gasoline will eventually break down due to evaporation and oxidation, forming a sludgy varnish that can clog fuel systems.
Several factors contribute to gasoline degradation, including the following:
- Alcohol separation: Ethanol in the fuel can separate over time and damage engine components.
- Contamination: Rust, dirt, and other particles can enter the fuel tank.
- Microbial growth: Fungi and bacteria can thrive in stored gasoline, especially when exposed to temperature fluctuations.
- Oxidation: Exposure to air causes chemical changes in the fuel.
- Water absorption: Moisture from the air can mix with the gasoline.
How To Tell If Gasoline Is Not Good
Visual inspection is the most reliable method to determine if gasoline has gone bad. You can also take a quick sniff (not a full breath of fumes). Look for these signs:
- Colour and clarity: Fresh gasoline is clear with a slight amber hue. Old gas becomes darker and cloudy.
- Contaminants: Check for rust or foreign particles at the bottom of the tank.
- Odor: New gasoline has a distinct, clean smell. Bad gas may have a musty, sour, or moldy scent.
If you notice any of these signs, we recommend disposing of the gasoline safely rather than risking damage to your engine.
Can You Just Dump It Down the Drain?
Don’t do it. One gallon of gas down the drain can contaminate 250,000 gallons of drinking water, not to mention it’s very illegal in most countries so you could get stuck with a hefty fine.
You wouldn’t throw batteries away in the trash, right? Same goes with gasoline. Don’t throw gasoline in the trash at any costs.
This proves to be a fire hazard as you get down the waste disposal line, and could seriously injure someone who is responsible for taking trash and disposing of it correctly.
If you’ve done this in the past, don’t worry, as we are all learning here. Next time, just make sure you dispose of it properly.
How to Properly Dispose of Old Gas
So, you shouldn’t dispose of gasoline using the drain, toilet, or trash can. But how should you dispose of it?
#1. Mix With New Gas and Use It.
First, try to use it if it’s not too old or contaminated. Dilute it with some fresh gasoline in a 1:1 ratio and use it with your weed wacker, lawn mower, or another small motor you don’t care about as much as your primary mode of transportation—your car.
#2. Hazardous Waste Center.
Next, if you just don’t want to have to deal with that, dispose of your gasoline using the resources provided by your local Hazardous Waste Disposal Center. Google “hazardous waste disposal near me” to find a nearby location.
#3. Community Hazardous Waste Collection Events.
Many areas offer free hazardous waste collection which includes old gasoline at regular intervals. This is often done on a yearly or quarterly basis but some counties/cities/towns make this a monthly event.
Check out your local government’s website or call them to see if some type of hazardous waste collection day is offered in your area.
#4. Contact Your Local Fire Department.
You can also call the fire department’s non-emergency line to get a recommendation on where/how to dispose of your old gasoline.
#5. Offer It to Landscapers.
If you notice a landscaping or lawn care company working nearby, see if they would want it. As already mentioned, old gas diluted with fresh gas usually works perfectly well in lawn mowers and other small engine equipment. They may be happy to take it off your hands.
#6. Add Fuel Additives.
There are plenty of options out there, but those you’ll want to consider include fuel stabilizers, octane boosters, and fuel system cleaners. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label for the proper amount of additive to use for your specific situation.
#7. Let It Evaporate
While not the ideal method due to safety, if you only have a small amount, simply leaving the cap off a container of gasoline will eventually allow it to evaporate.
Even better is to pour some gas into a wide, open container in a sunny location. Never attempt this method in a closed space like your garage or shed.
FAQs
Can You Mix Old Gas With New Gas?
Sure, this is actually a good way to get the most out of your money if you have some old gas laying around and still want to be able to use it. A good way to dilute old gasoline is to pour new gasoline into the same container to dilute whatever contaminants might be in there in the first place.
Keep in mind that modern motors with High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) systems only allow a certain level of particulates to go through the fuel injectors. So, if you have a newer motor, it’s best to play it safe and just dispose of the gas properly by calling your local hazardous waste center.
If you have an older engine with a lower pressure fuel rail system, by all means go for it. Just make sure you dilute that gas in the first place.
Can You Prevent Gas From Getting Old?
Yes, in a way, you can slow down the process. First, get your new gasoline in gasoline-specific containers. These allow for enough air flow so as not to turn the gas old, but not enough so all of your gasoline evaporates.
Then mix in some fuel stabilizer (STA-BIL is a good one). This will stabilize the compounds inside your gasoline so it will then last for years to come.
While this isn’t a permanent fix, your gas could last for 2-3 years this way—versus the 3-6 months it will take to go bad just sitting with no airflow and no fuel stabilizer.
Can You Simply Let Old Gas Evaporate?
Generally, gasoline will evaporate quite quickly if the entirety of the contents is exposed to air and allowed to oxidize. It will leave little to no residue, and is fairly clean—surprisingly enough.
On the other hand, if you leave gas in a container with little to no air exposure, it will polymerize into a foul, brackish semi-solid that won’t evaporate ever.
Will a Local Auto Parts Store Take Old Gas?
Auto parts stores such as AutoZone, NAPA, and O’Reilly are fine with taking most old car fluids such as motor oil and antifreeze and disposing them for you but they will not accept old gasoline.
Can Old Gasoline Be Rejuvenated?
Old gasoline can be rejuvenated in a sense, so long as it hasn’t been contaminated with hard particulates or has been sitting for too long. The way to rejuvenate old gas seems to be to dilute it by way of adding new gas to the mixture.
Remember? “The enemy of pollution is dilution”, and the same concept applies to gasoline. Just get some new gas from the gas station and pour it into the gas container you think is old. This should dilute the mixture to acceptable levels so your engine can run efficiently.
Now, if this is your car’s gas tank we’re talking about, bend down and give the gas inlet a whiff. Does it smell “stale” at all? If so, it would be wise to syphon your gasoline and start with a clean slate. It’s not worth the cost of replacing your fuel injectors just to save a couple of dollars at the pump.
Where Can I Find Nearby Hazardous Waste Disposal?
To locate a hazardous waste disposal site in your area, use the Earth 911 database to search for search for gasoline disposal using your zip code.
Alternatively, using a search engine (ie: Google.com) of your choice, enter “household hazardous waste near me” to bring up hazardous waste disposal sites near your location.
There are also services such as Waste Management At Your Door where they come to you to pick up and properly dispose of hazardous waste including old gasoline or diesel.
Finally, don’t forget to check with your local government or county offices, as they may have resources or programs dealing with hazardous waste management. Each county often has a unique way of handling household hazardous waste, so checking their website or giving them a call can help you find the best local solution.
What Should I Use to Store Gasoline for Disposal?
When you’re dealing with old gasoline, it’s important to use a container approved for gasoline storage. These are typically made of plastic or metal and can be found at auto parts stores, home improvement stores, farm and garden stores, or online. Make sure the container is clean, empty, and in good condition.
Never use random plastic bags, bottles, or other household items to store gasoline – this is extremely dangerous and could lead to leaks, spills, and even fires.
Also, make sure you label the container clearly with something like “Old Gasoline – For Disposal” so that you or anyone else handling it knows what’s inside and how it should be treated.
If you need to transfer the gasoline from one container to another, a siphon pump is a great tool to help you with that. It will make the process less messy and reduce the chance of accidental spills.
Remember to store your labeled container in a safe, cool, and well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, flames, or sparks. This way, you reduce the risk of fire or any other dangerous situations while you prepare for disposal.