[     Solutions listing ](/what-we-accept "  Solutions listing")



 

 

 

## Gasoline 

Whether it’s a can for the mower or a backup container for your car, at some point or another, we’ve all had one of those iconic red containers with some spare gas. However, that useful substance is also a hazardous product, and without properly storing gasoline at home – as well as handling and disposal – you’ll encounter risks to your home, health, and the environment. Learn what you need to know to deal with this hazardous household product.



 

 

 




### Hazards

- Gasoline is highly flammable and can be explosive. It must be properly stored to avoid house fires.
- Gasoline contains benzene, a known carcinogen. Benzene and other toxic compounds found in gasoline vaporize readily and can be inhaled.
- Gasoline can become contaminated, such as moved to an unclean container or left open near other products.
- Gasoline has a shelf life of about six months for pure gas and three months for ethanol-blended gas (most US gas stations use “E10” gas that contains about 10% ethanol). After this time, this gas should not be used and must be properly disposed of. Learn more in our blog, Storing Gasoline at Home and When to Dispose of It.


### Handling

- Store gasoline in a labeled container that is approved for gasoline storage.
- Do not fill up the container to the top; leave some air space to allow for expansion.
- Store gasoline in a cool, dry place, away from any motor-driven machine that could cause sparks, including washers and dryers. Keep out of direct sunlight.
- Store at ground level, not on a shelf, to minimize the danger of falling and spilling. Avoid storing near other flammables like [**propane, butane**](/what-we-accept/propane-and-butane-tanks "Propane and Butane Tanks"), or other household fuels.
- Never open or use near open flames or sources of ignition, such as sparks or cigarettes.
- Always open gasoline containers and use gasoline in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, away from children and animals.
- Do not store gasoline in a car trunk. There is a threat of explosion from heat and impact.
- Do not dispose of it down the drain, into surface water, or in the trash. This includes containers that have contained gasoline.
- Do not mix with any other material, including antifreeze and used oil.



 

 

 



 

 

### Need to dispose of gasoline?

   ![A can of gasoline](/sites/g/files/dvc5671/files/styles/default/public/image/2025/10/gasoline_0.jpg.webp?itok=YLursvN0)   



[Contact Us](/contact-us)

 



 

 

 



 

 

 

 





### Management Options

- Dispose of at a Household Hazardous Products Collection Center or hold for a household hazardous waste collection event.

####  



 

 

 



 

 

 

 





This information was brought to you by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and Veolia.



 

 

 



**Reduce, Reuse, Recycle**   
83 Gilmore Drive, Sutton, MA 01590  
866-769-1621



 

 

 

 

 

 





[See All Materials We Accept](/what-we-accept)

 



 

 

 




.hero-banner.hero-banner--theme--veo-light-blue {background-color: #00613B;}
.hero-banner.hero-banner--theme--veo-light-blue .hero-banner__title {color: #fff !important;}
.breadcrumb--theme--veo-light-blue .breadcrumbs__link, .breadcrumb--theme--veo-light-blue .breadcrumbs__list-button {color: #fff;} 
.hero-banner.hero-banner--theme--veo-light-blue .hero-banner__subtitle {color: #fff !important;}
.card.theme--background-color--veo-black-10 {background-color: transparent;   color: #191919;    border: 3px solid #438d42;    transition: all 3s ease; }
.theme--background-color--veo-very-light-green {display: none;}
.footer {margin-top: 0px;}

/* REMOVE "Solutions listing" back button */
.previous-button {display: none;}
.previous-button_icon {display: none;}
previous-button_text {display: none;}