How to Dispose of Fossil Fuel Waste

Do not pour old fossil fuels down drains or creeks.

Most of our trash can be disposed of by simply tossing directly into the trash can. Some items, like old fossil fuels (motor oil or gasoline, for example) present a real threat when exposed to the environment. Improperly discarded fossil fuels can cause explosions or fires and pollute local waters. Use extreme caution with your excess fossil fuels to keep your environment safe. Call your local city government to find out about any pertinent regulations in your area and follow several basic fuel disposal tips.

Things You'll Need

• Funnel
• Plastic container with seal
• Gloves
• Clean rag
• Water

Instructions

1. Place a funnel inside a sturdy, plastic container with a tight seal, such as a water jugs, and pour the fossil fuel into the container slowly. Ensure no fuel spills or splashes during the process. Also, wear gloves to keep the fuel off your hands.

2. Seal the container tightly. The main concern with fossil fuel disposal is exposure to the environment. This can occur through a small leak in the container due to an improperly tightened seal. Check the seal to ensure no leak can occur.

3. Clean any fossil fuel that spilled or splashed outside the container with a clean rag. Do not leave any on the ground. Use water if necessary to clean it up.

4. Call your local auto repair shop, oil change shop or any other facility that handles fossil fuels. These facilities handle large amounts of fossil fuels and often take used fossil fuels for proper disposal.

5. Take your containers to the facility willing to accept your excess fossil fuel.

References

• Marathon Petroleum: Here's How to Handle, Store and Dispose of Gasoline Safely
• Louisiana Department of Quality: Disposing Used Motor Oil