How To Dispose Of Old Gas From Lawn Mower Safely and Properly

Can I pour old lawn mower gas down the drain? No, you absolutely cannot pour old lawn mower gas down the drain or into storm sewers. This is harmful to the environment and illegal in most places.

As a responsible lawn owner, you likely know that regular maintenance is key to keeping your lawn mower running smoothly. This often involves dealing with old or stale gasoline, especially if your mower has been sitting in the garage over winter or if you’ve recently upgraded to a new machine. But how to get rid of gas from your lawn mower safely and properly? It’s a question many homeowners grapple with, and for good reason. Improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination, fire hazards, and even legal penalties. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best practices for lawn mower fuel disposal, ensuring you handle old gasoline removal with care and responsibility.

Why Proper Disposal Matters

Gasoline is a volatile and hazardous substance. It’s a flammable liquid that can easily ignite, posing a significant fire risk. When it breaks down, it can create harmful fumes that are toxic if inhaled. Furthermore, gasoline contains chemicals that can contaminate soil and water sources, harming plant life, aquatic ecosystems, and even human health. Understanding the risks associated with disposing of gas is the first step in making informed and safe decisions.

Identifying Stale Gasoline

Before you can dispose of old gas, you need to identify it. Gasoline doesn’t last forever. Over time, it degrades, losing its octane rating and becoming less effective. This process is often accelerated by the presence of ethanol, a common additive in modern gasoline. Ethanol attracts moisture, which can lead to phase separation, where the ethanol and water settle at the bottom of the fuel tank.

Signs of stale gasoline include:

Color Change: Fresh gasoline is typically a clear or slightly yellowish color. Stale gas often turns a darker, sometimes reddish or brownish hue.
Odor: Old gas may have a varnish-like or sour smell, distinct from the usual sharp gasoline odor.
Gumming and Varnish: Over time, gasoline can break down into a gummy or varnish-like residue. This can clog fuel lines, carburetors, and filters, making your mower difficult or impossible to start.
Poor Engine Performance: If your mower starts but runs rough, sputters, or lacks power, stale fuel could be the culprit.

Methods for Safe Gasoline Disposal

When it comes to proper fuel disposal, there are several accepted and safe methods. The key is to avoid direct environmental release and to opt for responsible waste management.

1. Use It Up (When Possible)

The ideal scenario for used lawn mower fuel is to use it. If the gas is only slightly stale and your mower still starts, you might be able to run your mower with a mixture of old and fresh gas. Start by adding a small amount of fresh gas to a larger quantity of old gas (e.g., 1 part old to 3 parts fresh). If the mower runs without issue, you can gradually increase the ratio of old gas in subsequent refills. However, if the mower sputters or shows signs of distress, it’s best to stop and dispose of the gas properly. This method is only suitable for fuel that is not severely degraded.

2. Donate It (If Usable)

Sometimes, local auto shops, race tracks, or community organizations might accept usable, but not ideal for your mower, gasoline. It’s always best to call ahead and ask if they have a need and what their acceptance criteria are. This is a great way to ensure the fuel is used rather than wasted, but it’s crucial to ensure it meets their standards.

3. Take It to a Hazardous Waste Facility

This is the most common and recommended method for disposing of gas that is no longer usable in your mower. Most counties or municipalities have designated hazardous waste collection sites or special collection days for household hazardous waste. These facilities are equipped to handle and dispose of gasoline and other flammable liquids in an environmentally sound manner.

How to find a facility:
- Check your local government’s website (county or city). Look for departments related to public works, solid waste, or environmental services.
- Call your local recycling center.
- Search online for “household hazardous waste disposal near me.”
Preparing for transport:
- Always store gasoline in a clean, approved gasoline container. Never use unapproved containers like milk jugs or glass bottles, as they can degrade or break.
- Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent leaks and fumes.
- Transport the container securely in your vehicle, preferably in the trunk or truck bed, away from passengers and ignition sources.

4. Utilize Gasoline Disposal Services

For larger quantities or if you frequently deal with liquid fuel disposal from various equipment, you might consider professional gasoline disposal services. These companies specialize in the safe pickup and disposal of hazardous materials. While this option might incur a fee, it offers the convenience and assurance that the fuel is handled by experts.

5. Additives for Stabilization (Preventative Measure)

While not a disposal method, using a fuel stabilizer is a proactive way to prevent gas from going bad in the first place. If you know your mower will be stored for an extended period, adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank before storage can significantly extend the life of the gasoline, reducing the need for frequent old gasoline removal. This is an important part of lawn mower maintenance fuel practices.

What NOT To Do When Disposing of Old Gas

It’s crucial to reiterate what actions are strictly prohibited when dealing with old gasoline:

Never pour gas down drains, toilets, or sewers. This contaminates waterways and is illegal.
Never pour gas onto the ground. It can seep into the soil and groundwater, causing long-term environmental damage.
Never burn gasoline. It’s an uncontrolled fire hazard and releases toxic fumes.
Never mix old gasoline with fresh gasoline in a way that compromises engine performance or safety.
Never store old gasoline in unapproved containers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Disposal

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process for safe gas disposal:

Step 1: Assess the Condition of the Fuel

Before you begin, determine how old and degraded the fuel is. If it’s just a few months old and looks clear, you might be able to use it with a stabilizer. If it’s dark, smells off, or you know it’s over a year old, it’s time for proper disposal.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Supplies

Approved Gasoline Container: A sturdy, red plastic or metal container specifically designed for gasoline storage. Ensure it has a secure, child-resistant cap.
Funnel: A clean funnel for transferring the fuel.
Gloves: Nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves to protect your skin.
Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from splashes.
Rags or Absorbent Material: For any minor spills.

Step 3: Safely Transfer the Fuel

Ventilate the Area: Work in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from any open flames or sparks.
Wear Protective Gear: Put on your gloves and safety glasses.
Prepare the Container: Place the approved gasoline container on a stable surface.
Position the Funnel: Insert the funnel into the opening of the approved container.
Carefully Pour: Tilt the lawn mower or gas tank slightly (if possible) to help gravity move the fuel. Slowly and carefully pour the old gasoline from the mower’s tank or original container into the new approved container using the funnel. Avoid overfilling.
Seal the Container: Once all the fuel is transferred, remove the funnel and immediately seal the approved container tightly.

Step 4: Transport to a Disposal Site

Secure the Container: Place the sealed gasoline container in your vehicle’s trunk or truck bed. Use straps or blankets to ensure it doesn’t tip over during transit.
Drive Directly: Head directly to your designated household hazardous waste facility or collection point.

Step 5: Follow Facility Guidelines

Upon arrival at the disposal site, follow all instructions provided by the facility staff. They will guide you on where to deposit the gasoline.

Dealing with Small Amounts of Old Gas

What if you only have a very small amount of old gas, perhaps a cup or two? Even small quantities can be problematic.

Small Engine Repair Shops: Some small engine repair shops may accept very small amounts of unusable fuel for disposal, especially if you’re a customer.
Specific Recycling Programs: In some areas, there might be specialized recycling programs for small quantities of fuel. Check with your local waste management authority.

Fuel Stabilizers: A Proactive Approach

To minimize the occurrence of needing to dispose of old gas, investing in a fuel stabilizer is a wise choice for any owner of small engine equipment.

How Stabilizers Work: Fuel stabilizers are additives that prevent the degradation of gasoline. They inhibit oxidation, prevent the formation of gum and varnish, and stop phase separation in ethanol-blended fuels.
When to Use:
- Before Storage: Add stabilizer to the fuel tank before storing your lawn mower for extended periods (e.g., over winter). Run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel circulates through the entire fuel system, including the carburetor.
- During Operation: If you know you won’t use a full tank of gas before it starts to degrade, add a stabilizer to the entire tank.

The Environmental Impact of Improper Disposal

The consequences of improper gasoline disposal services being bypassed and opting for the wrong method can be severe:

Water Contamination: Gasoline contains benzene, a known carcinogen, and other toxic compounds that can leach into groundwater and surface water, making it unsafe for drinking or supporting aquatic life.
Soil Contamination: Spilled gasoline can kill grass and plants and persist in the soil for a long time, affecting future plant growth.
Air Pollution: Evaporating gasoline fumes contribute to air pollution and can be harmful to human and animal respiratory systems.
Fire Hazards: Improperly stored or disposed of gasoline poses a significant fire risk, especially in residential areas.

Table: Recommended Disposal Options

Disposal Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
Use It Up (Mixed with Fresh)	Slightly stale gas, small quantities	Reduces waste, cost-effective	Only works if gas is not severely degraded; risk of poor engine performance
Donate to Local Organizations	Usable, but not ideal for your mower	Gives fuel a second life, environmentally friendly	Requires finding willing recipients, may not always be an option
Hazardous Waste Facility	Degraded, unusable gas, most common method	Environmentally responsible, legal, handles large quantities	Requires transport to a specific location, may have specific drop-off times
Professional Disposal Services	Large quantities, frequent disposal needs, convenience	Expert handling, safe and compliant, saves time	Can be more expensive
Fuel Stabilizer (Preventative)	Long-term storage of fuel	Prevents degradation, saves money and effort in the long run	Does not dispose of existing old gas; requires purchase of product

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does gasoline last in a lawn mower?
A1: Fresh gasoline typically lasts about 3 to 6 months when stored in a sealed container at a stable temperature. However, when stored in a fuel tank, especially with ethanol, it can start to degrade much faster, sometimes within 1 to 3 months, particularly in humid conditions or fluctuating temperatures. Using a fuel stabilizer can extend this shelf life significantly.

Q2: What if I accidentally spilled a small amount of gas on my driveway?
A2: For small spills, absorb the gasoline immediately with absorbent material like kitty litter or rags. Allow the absorbent material to soak up the gas, then carefully collect the soiled material and dispose of it in a sealed container as household hazardous waste. Ventilate the area well.

Q3: Can I put old gas in my car?
A3: It is generally not recommended to put old or stale gasoline into your car. Modern car engines are very sensitive to fuel quality, and degraded fuel can cause poor performance, engine knocking, and even damage to fuel system components and catalytic converters.

Q4: Are there any chemicals I can add to make old gas usable again?
A4: While fuel stabilizers can prevent degradation, there aren’t reliable chemical treatments to “rejuvenate” already significantly degraded gasoline. Once gasoline has broken down to the point of gumming or varnishing, its usefulness is severely limited. The best approach is proper disposal.

Q5: What is the best type of container for storing gasoline?
A5: Always use approved gasoline containers, typically made of durable red plastic or metal. These containers are designed with safety features like tight-fitting caps, flame arrestors, and proper venting to prevent static electricity buildup and vapor release. Avoid glass or unapproved plastic containers, as they can degrade or shatter.

Q6: I have a lot of old gas from multiple pieces of equipment. What’s the best approach for disposing of it?
A6: If you have a significant quantity of old gas, your best options are to utilize your local household hazardous waste facility or to contract with a professional gasoline disposal service. Check your local government’s website for information on hazardous waste collection events or permanent drop-off locations.

Q7: Is it okay to keep a small amount of old gas “just in case”?
A7: It’s generally not advisable to hoard old gasoline. Gasoline degrades over time, and improper storage poses a fire risk. If you frequently use small engines, it’s better to buy fresh gasoline as needed and use a fuel stabilizer for any stored fuel.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently manage used lawn mower fuel and ensure that your commitment to lawn mower maintenance fuel practices is also a commitment to environmental safety and responsibility. Proper disposal is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessary step for a healthy planet and a safe home.