Reduction Tips
Reduce waste by using refillable fuel containers when possible. Purchase only the amount of fuel you need, and use it up to avoid long term storage and disposal.Disposal Information
Use up fuel you have to avoid disposal. To dispose of an unwanted liquid fuel, carefully pour it into an approved, labeled container (labeled to hold fuels), seal it and take it to your county household hazardous waste collection site. Fuels commonly accepted at county household hazardous waste collection sites include:- Gasoline and gas/oil mixtures
- Diesel fuel
- Kerosene, a common lantern fuel
- Naptha or white gas, both common camping stove fuels
- Butane, a common lighter and camping fuel
- Sterno, a solid fuel used to heat food
Not all fuels and containers are accepted at county household hazardous waste collection sites. Contact your county to learn what types of fuels are accepted and how to prepare them for drop-off.
TIPS FOR TRANSPORTING AND STORING FUELS
- Store gasoline and other fuels in containers made for that purpose.
- Label container with fuel name.
- Don't fill containers completely. Liquid fuels need room to expand.
- Avoid mixing fuels unless your engine requires it.
- Avoid breathing fuel fumes, and carefully ventilate storage areas or vehicles when transporting (transport in trunk and away from children if possible).
- Never smoke around fuels.
For information on disposing of other automotive fluids such as motor oil, antifreeze and brake fluid, see Automotive Fluids.
Contact your county for more information on properly storing and disposing of fuels.