St. Clair County Resource Recovery Office

Gasoline

Gasoline is extremely flammable and one of the most dangerous substances found in the home. Improper disposal-in the trash, on the ground or down a drain or storm sewer-can be a health, environmental and safety hazard

This fact sheet provides instructions for household gasoline disposal. The St. Clair County Resource Recovery Office also has fact sheets on how to dispose of other common types of household hazardous waste:

· Adhesives
· Aerosol Containers
· Antifreeze
· Cleaners, Medications
· Gasoline
· Paint
· Solvents
· Wood Preservatives

For more information on household hazardous wastes and collection programs:
St. Clair County Resource Recovery Office
(810) 985-2443

LEFTOVER GASOLINE: USE IT UP!
The best way to get rid of leftover gasoline is to use it up. Most gasoline can be used after it is "reconditioned". Use the following instructions to recondition and use up leftover gasoline. Choose the appropriate methods, depending on whether your gasoline is:

· Old, "gummy" or "varnished"
· Contaminated with rust, dirt, other particles
· Contaminated with water
· Mixed with oil

RECONDITIONING INSTRUCTIONS:
For old gas, gummy or varnished gas, and gas contaminated with rust, dirt or other particles.

Step 1: Work outdoors away from open flame and source of heat or sparks. Avoid inhaling gasoline fumes. Do not smoke while working with gasoline.

Step 2: Pour the old gasoline into a container through a funnel lined with a coffee filter or two layers of a thin cloth to remove particles. When the filter is dry, throw it in the trash.

Step 3: Mix one part of the filtered gasoline with five parts new gasoline. If you don't want to dirty another container, you can pour the gasoline directly into a tank of new gasoline that is more than three-quarters full.

Step 4: The gasoline is ready for use. You may add an "octane booster" to mixed gasoline to make it ignite better. Octane boosters are available from service stations and auto supply stores.

RECONDITONING INSTRUCTIONS:
For gasoline contaminated with water.

Step 1: Pour the gasoline into a transparent jug. The water will settle to the bottom of the container because water is heavier that gasoline.