Old gasoline can ignite, release harmful vapor, and contaminate soil or water. Keep it closed and take the household hazardous waste route.
Do not pour it out, burn it, evaporate it, or mix it into fresh fuel based on an online recipe.
Contact a Fuel Collection Program First
Contact your city, county, or solid-waste district and ask for a household hazardous waste program that accepts gasoline from homes.
Confirm the site, appointment, quantity limit, fees, container rules, and transport instructions before you drive there.
Questions to Ask the HHW Program
- Do you accept old or contaminated gasoline from households?
- Is an appointment or proof of residency required?
- What container do you require, and will it be returned?
- What amount can I bring at one time?
- What should I do if the container is leaking or damaged?
Keep the Gasoline Safely Until Drop-Off
Keep gasoline in its original labeled container or a compliant portable fuel container. Never use a drink bottle, food container, open bucket, or plastic bag.
CPSC advises storing portable fuel containers in a cool, well-ventilated place outside living areas and away from ignition sources.
Keep the cap closed and the container out of children’s reach. Do not store gasoline in a home, basement, or near a pilot light, heater, stove, or electric motor.
If the container is corroded, swollen, leaking, or unsafe to move, call the fire department or local hazardous materials official for instructions.
Transport Only After the Site Confirms
Follow the facility’s exact directions. Secure an accepted container upright so it cannot tip, slide, or leak.
Keep it away from passengers and ignition sources, maintain ventilation, and drive directly to the facility. Never smoke during transport.
Facility staff should control the handoff. Do not pour gasoline into a tank or leave a container unless they direct you.
Do Not Try to Restore Unknown Gasoline
Color and smell cannot tell you everything mixed into old fuel. A household comparison in a glass jar also creates avoidable vapor and spill risk.
Do not add old gasoline to a car or lawn mower unless the equipment and fuel manufacturers give specific instructions for that exact situation.
Fuel additives are not a disposal method, and an automotive shop may not be authorized to accept waste gasoline.
What to Do After a Spill or Exposure
For a significant spill, strong vapor, fire risk, or gasoline entering soil, water, or a drain, move away and call 911 or the fire department.
Do not wash gasoline into a storm drain. Keep people and ignition sources away while you wait for instructions.
If someone swallows gasoline, do not induce vomiting. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use webPOISONCONTROL for case-specific guidance.
Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.
Household and Business Waste Are Different
EPA’s household hazardous waste exclusion applies to waste generated by normal household activities. A business, repair shop, farm, or institution may have regulated generator duties.
Commercial generators should use their environmental compliance process and a permitted hazardous-waste provider.