Common hazardous ingredients
Ethylene dichloride, methanol, petroleum, hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, naphthalene, toluene, xylene).
Potential hazards
Ignitable, highly volatile, extremely flammable, explosive; highly toxic; air pollutant. Benzene is a known carcinogen. Sparks and flames can ignite gasoline vapors even when very far from the container. Gasoline under pressure in a non-venting container can explode.
Use
Avoid breathing in vapors. When handling gasoline, wear nitrile gloves and thoroughly wash your hands when finished and before eating. Never mix gasoline with waste oil or other automotive products, and never use it as a cleaning solvent.
Use kerosene heaters only in well-ventilated areas to remove carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide from combustion. Use only low-sulfur 1-K grade fuel in kerosene space heaters; never use home heating oil or other fuels.
Storage
- Use only self-venting containers approved by a nationally recognized testing lab, such as UL, and always leave some air space for expansion.
- Store well away from living areas and out of direct sunlight.
- Store at ground level, not on a shelf. In the summer, in a closed garage or shed, temperatures up on shelves can be higher and may create a dangerous pressure level in the container.
- Do not store in the trunk of a car, in a basement or near a furnace.
Disposal
Best: Use up as an engine fuel. Strain old gasoline through a paint filter, dilute by one half with fresh gasoline and use up in your lawnmower.
Second best: Take to a hazardous waste facility or collection event. Fuels are accepted in securely closed containers. These containers, including gas cans, cannot be returned to the customer.
It is illegal to dump gasoline and/or oil into sewers, storm drains or any body of water.
Alternatives
- For cleaning grease or dirty oil from car parts, use a non-toxic, citrus-based degreaser.
- Consider using a push or electric lawn mower and electric power tools.