How Do You Dispose of Old Gasoline?

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says that if you have fuel you do not need and it is in good usable condition, you should try to give it away to someone who will use it. If that fails, it says to check with your local service station or fuel retailer to see if they will accept it, and if not, to see if your local household hazardous waste collection will accept it or contact your local municipal recycling coordinator.

Do not pour it out or put it in the trash. The EPA says improper disposal of household hazardous waste can include pouring it down the drain, on the ground or into storm sewers, or in some cases putting it out with the regular trash, and that such disposal can pollute the environment and pose a threat to human health. The Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Environmental Protection tells residents not to place flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, oil-based paints or kerosene in the trash.

Connecticut environmental officials suggest avoiding leftover fuel by not storing motorized vehicles or equipment with fuel in them for long periods, for example by running a lawnmower dry on the last mowing day in the fall, and say that if you must store fuel for an extended period, you should add a fuel stabilizer to help keep it fresh and usable. The US Fire Administration advises storing oil, gasoline, paints, propane and varnishes in a shed away from your home.