So you found gasoline that’s been sitting in your shed since last summer. Maybe it smells like varnish, or your lawnmower choked when you tried using it. Now you’re staring at that rusty gas can wondering where to dispose of old gasoline without blowing up your neighborhood. I’ve been there – last year I had to get rid of 5 gallons that looked like muddy coffee.
Why Your Backyard Isn’t a Gasoline Disposal Site
Pouring it down the drain? Burying it? Burning it? Just no. Gasoline contains benzene and other nasties that poison groundwater. One quart can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water. Plus, evaporation creates explosive fumes. My cousin learned this the hard way when his trash can erupted after tossing gas-soaked rags.
How Old Gas Turns Dangerous
Gasoline starts degrading after 30 days. Here’s what happens:
- Varnish buildup – gums up engines like cholesterol in arteries
- Water absorption – creates corrosive acids (that’s the weird separation you see)
- Octane loss – won’t ignite properly
If your gas smells sour or looks cloudy, it’s toxic waste now. Not "maybe" – is.
Step-by-Step: Prepping Gas for Disposal
Before you even think about where to dispose of old gasoline, handle it like live ammo:
- Dress for war – Gloves (nitrile, not latex), goggles, long sleeves. Gas melts skin.
- Outdoors only – No basements or garages. I do this on my driveway upwind.
- Check containers – Must be DOT-approved cans with tight seals. That milk jug? It’ll leak guaranteed.
- Label clearly – Write “WASTE GASOLINE” in Sharpie. Add date if known.
Got more than 5 gallons? Double-bucket it. Seriously – put the gas can in a plastic tub to catch leaks.
Where to Dispose of Old Gasoline: Your Actual Options
This is where people get stuck. I’ve spent hours calling around – here’s what works.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facilities
Your best bet for large quantities (think 5+ gallons). They’re taxpayer-funded and designed for this.
| How to find | What to expect | Cost | My experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Search “[Your County] HHW” • Call 211 (US/Canada) • Use Earth911’s locator |
• Drive-thru drop-off • Staff handles containers • May require residency proof |
Usually FREE (tax funded) Some charge $1-$2/gallon |
Denver’s facility took 8 gallons no questions. Austin charged me $12 total. Annoying but safe. |
Pro tip: Most open 1-2 days/week only. Hillsborough County (FL) does Tuesdays 7am-5pm. Check before hauling gas cans.
Auto Repair Shops That Actually Take Gas
Skip chain stores (Jiffy Lube won’t touch it). Call independent mechanics. Ask: “Do you accept waste gasoline for recycling?”
- Success rate: ~30% in my tests (called 20 shops in Portland)
- Best candidates: Shops with “eco-friendly” or “recycling” on their website
- Typical fees: $5-$20 flat rate
Warning: Some take it only from existing customers. Worth asking!
Community Collection Events
Twice a year, many towns host “tox drop” days. I mark these on my calendar:
| Event Type | Frequency | Limits | How to find |
|---|---|---|---|
| City/county events | Spring & fall | 10-20 gal/household | Local government websites |
| Fire department events | Irregular (call) | 5 gal max | Call non-emergency line |
Last April, Mesa, AZ took 400+ gallons at one event. Show up early – lines get stupid long.
Recycling Centers (The Picky Ones)
Not all take gasoline. Use these filters on Earth911.com:
- Enter ZIP
- Material: “Gasoline”
- Filter by “Accepts Household Quantities”
Expect this dance:
- Call first – rules change weekly
- Container requirements: Steel cans only? Original container?
- Fees: Typically $0.50-$3/gal
P.S.: Bring ID – some track how much you dump annually.
What NOT to Do (Unless You Like Fines)
- Trash services – Illegal in 49 states. My waste company flags gas cans with X-ray scanners.
- Dumping on ground – EPA fines start at $25k. Plus, you’re that guy poisoning kids’ playgrounds.
- Mixing with oil – Recycling centers reject contaminated loads. Ruins the whole batch.
- “Evaporating” it – Creates explosive vapor clouds. A neighbor burned his shed down trying this.
Store Gas Right Next Time
Prevent this headache with these sanity-saving tips:
- Buy less – Only what you’ll use in 30 days
- Add stabilizer – Sta-Bil ($5) extends life to 12+ months
- Metal cans only – Plastic degrades. I use No-Spill cans.
- Cool & dark place – Not your hot garage. My shed stays 50°F max.
Been doing this for 3 years – zero bad gas since.
Your Burning Gas Disposal Questions Answered
Can I dump old gasoline at AutoZone?
Nope. Called 5 locations – policy forbids it. Same for O'Reilly and Advance Auto Parts.
Will fire departments take old gas?
Hit or miss. Non-emergency lines get cranky about this. In rural areas? Maybe. Spokane FD told me: “We’re firefighters, not hazmat.”
How much does disposal cost?
HHW facilities: Usually free. Private centers: $1-$5/gallon. Cheaper than a $10k fine!
Can I mail gasoline for disposal?
Hell no. UPS/FedEx/USPS prohibit it. Shipping flammable liquids requires hazmat certs.
What if I find abandoned gas?
Call city hazmat (non-emergency number). Don’t touch it – gas degrades containers. Saw one rupture in Phoenix heat last July.
Final Reality Check
Finding where to dispose of old gasoline sucks. It’s inconvenient and sometimes costs beer money. But compare that to:
- Paying $15,000 EPA fines
- Hospital bills for chemical burns
- Contaminating your own well water
HHW facilities are your safest bet. Takes 20 minutes max. Just go.
That gas can in your garage? Deal with it this weekend. Future you will sleep better.
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