How to Recondition Gas

Source: Missouri Household Hazardous Waste Telephone Advice Manual, April 1994, Household Hazardous Waste Project

Gasoline is one of the most dangerous substances found around the home. It is highly flammable and extremely toxic. Never pour gasoline down the drain, on the ground, or in the trash. Improper disposal of gasoline is a health and safety hazard, and threatens the environment.

As gasoline ages, it tends to lose some of its desired ignition properties. Old gasoline used at full strength may account for sluggish behavior or temporary failure of an engine. Gasoline stored for long periods may become contaminated with dust particles, dirt, or water. It may also undergo a minor chemical change becoming "gummed up" or forming "varnish." Old or contaminated gasoline can be reconditioned for use by following these procedures.

A word of caution: This management option may cause harm to human health and the environment if the described procedures are not followed carefully.

Rubber Gloves Goggles Materials Needed

Safety Precautions

Procedures to Recondition Old Gasoline

  1. Filter gasoline into a safety-approved container through two layers of thin cloth or a coffee filter to remove any solids or semi-solids. The cloth or paper can be dried outside, away from the house and sources of heat, spark, flame, or ignition. It can then be disposed of with the trash destined for the landfill.

  2. Use the filtered gasoline by mixing with new gasoline at a 1:5 ratio (1 part reconditioned gasoline to 5 parts new gasoline).

  3. An octane booster may also be added to further restore volatility. Octane booster can be purchased at a gasoline station or auto supply store.

Procedures to Recondition Gasoline Contaminated with Water

  1. Water will sink to the bottom of the container. Use a mechanical syphon or pour as much gasoline as possible off the top, leaving mostly water in the bottom of the container. The remaining water may be allowed to evaporate outside, away from the house and sources of heat, spark, flame, or ignition. This option should only be recommended if local air pollution officials approve.

  2. Gasohol (10% ethyl alcohol) or isopropanol (a fuel dryer) may be mixed in with the gasoline to break up small amounts of water. This prevents large quantities of water from entering the engine at once. Follow directions for mixing on the product label.

  3. Use the gasoline by mixing it with new gasoline at a 1:5 ratio (1 part reconditioned gasoline to 5 parts new gasoline).

Return to Disposal Guide Menu Disposal Guide Menu © Copyright