Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Choose a disposal site
• Part 2 of 3: Prepare the gasoline for disposal
• Part 3 of 3: Use old gasoline
• Tips
• Warnings

Gasoline is an important part of our daily life, but if not properly disposed of, it can be a serious hazard. To safely dispose of gasoline, contact your local authority for assistance. To dispose of gasoline, you may have to go to a recycling center, landfill, auto parts store, or even a fire station. Transport gasoline in a secure, closed container. Please note that in some cases, instead of recycling, gasoline can be recovered for future use.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Choose a disposal site

1. 1 Contact your local recycling authority. Some recycling centers accept gasoline and then recover or dispose of it safely. Local authorities can direct you to the correct recycling center. Then call the recycling center ahead of time to see if they have any specific instructions you should follow.
2. 2 Take the gasoline to a hazardous waste disposal center. This is a little different from recycling, as this is where your gasoline is not sent for reuse, but simply disposed of. However, there is nothing stopping you from contacting your local authorities and finding out where the nearest hazardous waste disposal center is. Call ahead to inquire about all restrictions, opening hours and raw materials accepted.
   • Some hazardous waste disposal centers provide free services only to residents of a particular city, so outsiders will have to pay for disposal.
   • In less populated cities, waste disposal centers may only be open for a few hours. This is another reason to call ahead of time.
   • Such centers may also have restrictions on the intake of gasoline in one visit (for example, no more than 40 liters) or from one person for a certain period of time.
3. 3 Pay for recycling. If you want to dispose of a large volume of gasoline or there is no other way to do this in your city, pay for the disposal of a private company. Find such a business by searching for "private hazardous materials disposal company" and the name of your city. Call them and find out how much their services cost. Also check if they have been licensed by local authorities.
   • Typically, their services are quite expensive, but it is still less than a fine for improper disposal of hazardous materials.
4. 4 Attend a community recycling event. To encourage residents to safely dispose of waste, local authorities in many cities organize regular recycling and recycling events. Typically, information about such events can be found on the city website or in the local newspaper; usually a list with the necessary information is published there in advance, as well as data on the accepted materials, such as gasoline. To find out if this is right for you, contact your local authority.
5. 5 Contact your local fire station for help. Many fire stations will happily dispose of your gasoline or recommend a location where it can be safely done. Fire departments can also advise on how best to store and transport old gasoline.
6. 6 Leave the gasoline at a body shop or auto parts store. Many auto parts stores are happy to accept used and hazardous automotive fluids. Some of them only accept oil and transmission fluid, while others accept almost everything, including gasoline. Call your local auto parts store to see which one can help you.
   • Generally, gasoline at these stores can be recycled for free, so you don't have to pay or buy here.
7. 7 Do not dispose of gasoline in a trash can, landfill, or drain. It is illegal to dispose of gasoline in a manner that could endanger public health. For example, gasoline that is poured into storm water can contaminate the water source used by humans and animals. If you do not have time to properly dispose of gasoline, it is best to leave it at home (in a safe container) until you have the opportunity to do so.
   • The punishment for illegally disposing of gasoline can be quite harsh, including a prison sentence and a heavy fine.

Part 2 of 3: Prepare the gasoline for disposal

1. 1 Pour the gasoline into the correct container. If you are going to take gasoline for disposal, then for safety reasons it must be in an airtight container. Most plastic and metal gasoline cans (especially 20 liter cans) are ideal for transporting gasoline safely and quickly. Pour your old gasoline into this container and close it tightly before moving it.
2. 2 Place the container in the drawer. To prevent gasoline containers from tipping over on the road, place them in a large plastic bowl or box. This will keep your car clean and reduce the likelihood of gasoline getting on your skin. Clean the box with clean water after disposing of the gasoline containers.
3. 3 Dispose of gasoline with jerry cans or pour it over carefully. When you arrive at the recycling center, the center staff can pick up the gasoline along with the cans. And although you have to spend money on the cost of the canisters, you will save on the fine. There may also be a large tank in the center where you can drain the gas so you can keep your canisters with you.

Part 3 of 3: Use old gasoline

1. 1 Pour some gasoline into a can to test its quality. Take a glass jar or other clear container. Pour some gasoline into a glass container using a funnel. Shake the jar to see if any sediment settles to the bottom. Take a look at the color of the gasoline and see if it is darker than usual. Also pay attention to whether the gasoline is emitting an unpleasant rotten smell. All of this indicates that the gasoline is spoiled and should not be recovered.
   • Spoiled gasoline must be disposed of, as even diluted gas can contaminate fuel lines and lead to other problems.
   • Do not pour gasoline into a drinking glass. The glass container should be used exclusively for gasoline and nothing else.
2. 2 Recover gasoline. Insert the coffee filter into the funnel and insert the funnel into the hole for the container. Start slowly pouring gasoline into the funnel. The filter will prevent large particles from passing through. This gasoline can then be poured into the lawn mower or car. The main thing is to mix old gasoline with new one in a ratio of at least 1: 5.
   • If you don't have a coffee filter on hand, use two layers of thin cloth instead. Simply pull the cloth over the funnel and then slowly start pouring the gasoline.
3. 3 Pour gasoline into the outdoor cleaner. If you have old but still good gasoline, try rebuilding it and refilling the mower with it. The engine will start, but due to the mixture of gasoline, be prepared for a decrease in the efficiency of the device.
4. 4 Mix it with fresh gasoline in your car. Strained (but unmixed) gasoline can also be poured into the gas tank of a car from a canister (a container for gasoline with a spout bent at an angle). A 34-38 liter gas tank can be safely filled with 2 liters of gasoline at a time. A gas tank with a volume of more than 42 liters can be filled with 3 liters of gasoline until it is full.
   • You can understand that the gas tank is full by the metal safety valve in the gas tank. Stop pouring gasoline when you see it on the valve.
5. 5 Add fuel additive. You may want to add a fuel additive to your gas tank or old gasoline container. The fuel additive will destroy hazardous compounds found in old gasoline. Before doing this, be sure to check the user's manual for the car or consult with an auto mechanic, since the fuel additive is not suitable for all types of engines.

Tips

• Do not store gasoline in your car's gas tank or lawn mower for a long period of time. If you do not plan to use your car or lawnmower for a long time, use almost all the gasoline or pump it out of the gas tank.

Warnings

• Call an ambulance on 103 (mobile) or 03 (landline) if you accidentally swallow gasoline. If gasoline gets in your eyes or on your skin, flush with water. Seek medical attention if the area is red or irritated after rinsing.