Old kerosene belongs with a program that accepts household fuel or hazardous waste. Keep it labeled, closed, and separate while you ask for local instructions.
Do not pour it into a drain, onto soil, into trash, or into another fuel. Do not burn questionable kerosene simply to use it up.
Confirm What You Have
Read the original label and product instructions. Kerosene may also appear as fuel oil number 1, but similar-looking liquids are not interchangeable.
If the liquid is unmarked or you are unsure what was added, describe it as unknown fuel when you contact the disposal program.
Do not smell, test-burn, or mix the liquid to identify it. The receiver may have a separate route for unknown material.
Keep It in a Sound, Labeled Container
Keep kerosene in its original container with the label intact. Close the cap and store it according to the product label.
NIOSH classifies kerosene as a combustible liquid. Keep it away from flames, sparks, heat, children, and pets.
If the container is corroded, bulging, damaged, or leaking, do not transfer the liquid yourself. Call your fire department or local hazardous-materials official for instructions.
Contact a Household Hazardous Waste Program
Search your city or county waste site for kerosene, fuel, flammable liquids, or household hazardous waste.
Tell the program the amount, container type, label status, condition, and whether the kerosene is mixed with anything.
Ask whether it accepts kerosene from residents, requires an appointment, limits quantity, or gives specific transport directions.
Do not assume a gas station, mechanic, fire station, or fuel supplier accepts old kerosene. Ask the exact location first.
Do Not Mix Kerosene With Used Oil
Used-oil collection tanks commonly reject fuel-contaminated oil. Mixing kerosene with motor oil can remove a recycling option for both liquids.
EPA advises never mixing household hazardous waste leftovers. Incompatible products can react, ignite, or make a recyclable material unusable.
Keep Household and Commercial Waste Separate
This article covers a small amount from a US household. Businesses, farms, landlords, and contractors may have hazardous-waste duties that household collection programs do not cover.
If the kerosene came from a business or a large storage tank, contact your state environmental agency or a licensed hazardous-waste contractor.
Wait for an Accepted Handoff
If no collection program is currently open, keep the container secured according to its label while you ask about the next event or permanent site.
Do not leave kerosene beside a facility, pour it outside, evaporate it, or give unknown fuel to someone who plans to burn it.
For another household fuel, see how to dispose of old gasoline.