How to Dispose of Used Gas Cans Safely and Responsibly

Whether you’re fueling up a lawnmower, powering a generator, or storing extra gas for emergencies, gas cans are a common household item for anyone using gas-powered tools or vehicles. But when a gas can becomes cracked, corroded, or simply no longer needed, it’s not always obvious how to get rid of it in the right way. Tossing it in the trash may seem like the easiest solution, but doing so can pose serious risks to the environment, your community, and even your own health and safety. Disposing of gas cans responsibly requires a little more thought than everyday trash, but the process doesn’t have to be complicated. In this blog, we’ll walk you through why gas cans require special disposal, the environmental dangers of improper handling, and safe, legal methods for getting rid of them, including household hazardous waste facilities and recycling centers. We’ve also compiled some pointers on how to prepare your gas can for disposal and other helpful tips to keep in mind throughout the process.

Key Takeaways

• Never throw used gas cans in regular trash or recycling bins. They are considered hazardous waste due to fuel residue and must be handled properly.
• Check with local recycling centers, hazardous waste facilities, or home improvement stores for gas can disposal options near you.
• Improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination and legal penalties.
• Even empty gas cans still pose a risk and must be treated as hazardous until properly cleaned and vented.

Environmental Impacts of Improper Disposal

Incorrectly disposing of household hazardous waste like gas cans, whether by pouring fuel into drains, onto the ground, or simply throwing the cans away, can have severe detrimental effects on the environment. Here are a few negative impacts of improper disposal:

Polluting the Air

Gasoline vapors contribute to air pollution and the formation of ground-level ozone. If gas cans are not sealed or vented properly, numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can escape, exacerbating air quality issues. If humans or wildlife are exposed to gasoline fumes, they can experience serious health ramifications.  

Contaminating Groundwater and Soil

Gasoline contains toxic chemicals like benzene, toluene, and xylene. When these substances leak into the ground, they can contaminate soil and drinking water supplies, leading to long-term damage to ecosystems and public health.

Harming Wildlife

Improper disposal can lead to fuel entering rivers, lakes, or coastal areas. This can poison aquatic life, destroy habitats, and impact the food chain. Animals may also become entangled and trapped in gas cans, potentially causing death due to starvation or drowning. It’s crucial to properly dispose of gas cans to avoid these environmental impacts and stay within legal regulations.

Steps to Preparing Your Gas Can for Disposal

Before disposing of a gas can, you need to make sure it’s properly prepared. This helps reduce fire hazards and ensures it will be accepted when you take it to the disposal site.

• Empty the Can: Pour any remaining fuel into your vehicle, lawnmower, chainsaw, or other gas-powered equipment. Complete this step in a well-ventilated area and try to avoid spills.
• Air It Out: Take the cap off and leave the gas can open in a safe, shaded outdoor area for a minimum of 24 hours to allow residual vapors to evaporate. It’s best to ventilate the can for several days if possible. Keep it out well of reach of children and pets during this process to minimize risks.
• Label It: Some facilities require clearly labeling your gas can. Mark the can as “empty” or “hazardous material” depending on its condition, and potentially also write out its contents (fuel, gasoline, etc.).

You should never rinse a gas can with water and pour it down the drain. This spreads contamination and could violate your local water treatment laws, potentially incurring fines.  

Where to Dispose of Gas Cans Properly

Now that we’ve gone through the core reasons why proper disposal is necessary, let’s look at your options for getting rid of gas cans both safely and legally.

Household Hazardous Waste Facilities (HHW)

Most communities offer HHW programs that accept items like gas cans, paint, motor oil, and chemicals. These facilities are equipped to handle flammable and toxic substances and are often the best way to dispose of gas cans safely. Using a HHW facility is usually free to residents, making it an accessible, economical, and environmentally responsible disposal method. The only downside with this option is that these establishments may have limited hours or only be open on specific days, so it’s important to confirm specifics over the phone or on their website before taking your gas cans there. To find an HHW facility near you, visit your city or county website or search the internet.

Municipal Collection Events

Many towns hold hazardous waste collection events once or twice a year. These are ideal for disposing of hazardous items, including old or damaged gas cans. If you’re counting on a collection event to get rid of gas cans, you’ll need to plan ahead. These events are popular and can have long wait times or limits on how many items you can bring.

Local Recycling Centers

Some recycling centers accept gas cans if they have been completely emptied, vented, and cleaned. However, this depends on local policies, as they vary between areas. Not all recycling centers accept fuel containers, so you’ll want to confirm what’s allowed before you drop off.

Retail Take-Back Programs

Some home improvement stores offer take-back programs or can direct you to disposal partners. While more prevalent in the past, some locations may still offer take-backs. Call ahead for guidance, as they may accept only specific brands or types of gas cans.

Scrap Metal Facilities

If you have a metal gas can and it’s completely empty, cleaned, and vented, you may be able to take it to a scrap metal yard. Confirm that they accept former fuel containers, as residual vapors can still be a deal-breaker.

Can You Reuse or Recycle Old Gas Cans?

 If your gas can is still structurally intact but just old or dirty, consider repurposing it instead of throwing it away.

Cleaning and Reuse

Some gas cans can be cleaned with a fuel system cleaner and reused for non-fuel purposes like storing diesel, kerosene, or even water — but only if they are food-grade and have never been used for gasoline.

Recycling Components

Plastic gas cans are often made of high-density polyethylene, which is recyclable, but only through specialized programs. Regular curbside recycling programs typically do not accept fuel containers.

Safety Tips When Handling Gas Cans

 Even when disposing of a gas can, safety should always be a top priority.

• Never crush, puncture, or burn a gas can. This can cause an explosion or release toxic fumes.
• Keep cans upright and secure during transport. Keep windows open and never transport in enclosed trunks for long periods.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling cans to avoid skin contact with fuel residue.

Additional Key Information About Gas Can Disposal

While the physical act of getting rid of a gas can is the most important, there are several related aspects that can make the process easier and more responsible. Here are a few additional tips and insights that can help you manage gas can disposal more effectively:

Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Gas Can

Before you decide to throw out a gas can, assess whether it’s truly at the end of its life. You want to make sure it’s absolutely necessary to dispose of gas cans to reduce waste and save yourself money. Keep an eye out for warning signs like:

• Rust, corrosion, or punctures if it’s a metal can. 

• Cracks or leaks if it’s a plastic container.

• Malfunctioning spouts or seals that are no longer tightly closed.

If your gas can exhibits any of these signs, it’s time to stop using it. Using a faulty gas can not only increases the risk of spills and accidents but can also lead to gasoline going bad faster.

Properly Store Gas Cans Up Until Disposal

Until you can take your gas can to a disposal facility or collection event, make sure to store it in a safe and responsible way:

• Keep it in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from heat sources, open flames, or direct sunlight.
• Store upright and on a stable surface to avoid tipping or leaking.
• Clearly mark it as unusable if it’s damaged or has been set aside for disposal.

This not only helps prevent accidents but also makes it obvious to others in your household that the can should not be used.

Consider Upgrading to Newer Models

If you’re disposing of an old gas can, it may be an opportunity to upgrade to a more updated model that meets current safety standards. Newer gas cans often come with features like child-resistant caps, spill-proof nozzles, and better ventilation systems. These improvements can make fuel storage and handling safer and more environmentally friendly.

Don’t Overlook Any Leftover Gasoline

If you’re disposing of a gas can that still has fuel in it, you’ll need to deal with the leftovers first by reusing or disposing of gasoline. Here’s what you can do:

• Use it up in a vehicle or small engine like a lawnmower or generator.
• Store it in a proper container if you plan to reuse it soon.
• Take it to a hazardous waste facility if the gasoline is old or contaminated and can’t be reused.

Never pour gasoline down the drain, into storm sewers, onto the ground, or into the trash. From preventing pollution to complying with laws, safe disposal protects your community and the environment. Always follow local guidelines, treat old cans as hazardous waste, and never throw them in the trash. When in doubt, contact your local waste management authority or environmental agency for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw an empty gas can in the trash?

Generally, no. Even if a gas can appears empty, it may still contain flammable vapors that pose a fire or explosion risk. In some cases, if entirely free of residue, plastic gas cans are recyclable. However, most local waste management programs consider gas cans hazardous waste, and they must be disposed of through approved recycling or hazardous waste facilities.

What should I do with leftover gasoline in the can?

If the gasoline is still usable, you can pour it into a vehicle or piece of equipment that uses gas. If it’s old or contaminated, bring it to a household hazardous waste facility for proper disposal. Do not dump gasoline down the drain, in the trash, or on the ground.

Are plastic and metal gas cans disposed of the same way?

Typically, yes. Both types must be treated as hazardous due to fuel residue, but some scrap metal yards may accept clean, vented metal cans for recycling. Always call ahead to confirm each facility’s specific rules.

How do I find a disposal location near me?

Use tools like Earth911’s website, the RCRAInfo Web, or your local government’s waste management website. Many cities also offer household hazardous waste events throughout the year where you can bring items like gas cans.

How often should I replace my gas can?

Though gas cans don’t necessarily have an expiration date, they should be replaced whenever they show signs of wear or damage. As a general guideline, inspect your gas can at least once a year. Replace it if you notice cracks or leaks (in plastic cans), rust or corrosion (in metal cans), or a faulty or missing cap, spout, or seal. Even if a gas can looks intact, it’s a good idea to upgrade every 5–10 years for newer safety features.

Is it safe to reuse an old gas can for other liquids?

Only reuse a gas can if it’s in good condition and has been thoroughly cleaned and vented. Do not reuse it for drinking water or food storage. If the can previously held gasoline, it’s best to only use it for storing compatible fuels or chemicals.