Water Quality District - Hazardous Waste
Gasoline
What is it?
Gasoline is fuel made from petroleum. Gasoline is a flammable and highly toxic product. Leaded gasoline (commonly used years ago, but now banned) contained tetraethyl lead, a highly toxic metal compound. Unleaded gasoline contains high-octane components such as benzene (a known carcinogen), ethylene dichloride (a known animal carcinogen), and methanol (a highly toxic compound).
What Makes it Hazardous?
Gasoline is a flammable and highly toxic product. It can be harmful to your health through skin contact, skin absorption, inhalation, or ingestion. Antioxidants added to keep gasoline from decomposing and forming resins could cause burns to skin and eyes.
Safety Tips
- Do not completely fill the container; gas needs room to expand.
- Always properly label containers.
- Do not store gasoline in a car trunk. There is a threat of explosion from heat and impact.
- Do not pour down the drain, into surface water, or in the trash.
- Keep away from children and heat sources.
- Never smoke around gasoline.
- Avoid breathing fumes.
Disposal Options
Recycle:
- Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event: If it cannot be used up, Emerald Services, 900 Phillips, accepts up to 10 gallons free-of-charge during Haz Waste Days. Emerald accepts fuels throughout the year.
- Do not mix fuels with waste oil and/or antifreeze. Oil and antifreeze cannot be recycled if mixed with other products.
The Residential Disposal Guide is provided by the Missoula Valley Water Quality District as a public service and is not an endorsement of specific businesses, services or products. Any omissions or inaccuracies are unintentional. Please contact us with corrections or additions. Call businesses or agencies to confirm hours, locations and charges for services, if any. For information on disposal of items not listed, email or call the Water Quality District at 406-258-4890, M - F, 8 am to 5 pm.
Much of the information provided is from the Washington County, MN, Dept. of Public Health and Environment website.
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