Proper Disposal Guide for Old Plastic Gas Cans (Just 3 Steps)
Seasoned RVers like me reveling weekends off-grid relying solely on portable power sources. Therefore, efficient fuel utilization becomes imperative through miles rollicking containing precious gasoline proving costly in remote regions. I budget carrying only minimal reserves barely covering essential generator refueling and mileage needs before hitting the next station. So versatile plastic gas cans towing alongside serve crucial roles supplementing capacity and minimizing resupply points working flawlessly through years of duty.
Until one mishap sentenced a beloved five-gallon compatriot to involuntary retirement! Clanging to gravel after abad highway fishtail, the container suffered minor cracks no longer containing volatile liquids safely. But determining an ethical course discarding the now hazardous husk containing evaporated fumes from past fuel ages perplexed me, wanting to avoid landfill waste yet preventing environmental contamination.
Through scholarly research and county disposal department consultations, optimal procedures crystallized aligning conservation ethics with legal obligations. Here I log tested steps sustaining the planet and people while parting ways responsibly with loyal apparatus showcasing nuances resolving disposal dilemmas when recreational vehicle gear demands significant safeguarding even after operational chapters conclude fully.
Step 1: Completely Drain all Remaining Fuel
Before proceeding with any disposal strategy, utterly empty gas cans of lingering fuel residues pool at the bottoms which can ignite explosively even in trace amounts or leak toxins when handled roughly.
Transfer Fuel to Active Equipment/Vehicles Needing Top Ups
Pour any usable petrol from the old can carefully into vehicles, generators, or equipment tanks needing ongoing top-offs to responsibly utilize leftover essence without waste. Place the can nozzle-down into funnels secured overfill holes without spills.
Allow Can to Stay Open Draining Out Fully Over Days
Any stubborn puddles clinging inside can walls slowly evaporate when cans get opened outside over 72 hours allowing vapors to dissipate completely. Place on elevated, stable surfaces away from any ignition sources during drainage. Checking weight ensures traces get emptied before disposal.
Step 2: Check Container Condition Assessing Recycling Viability
With explosive risks neutralized after complete drainage, inspect the emptied plastic can next to assess suitability sending to recyclers or requiring designated disposal.
Scan All Surfaces for Visible Damage Before Transport
Punctures, solid cracks, leak indications, or broken handles make containers too hazardous to carry for standard recycling. Note any dropped cans also likely suffered unseen internal fractures threatening splits under compactor pressure. Carefully checking external appearance gives clues on integrity.
Gently squeezing the can walls also tests brittleness prone to collapse. If no concerning damage gets spotted, cleaned cans qualify for recycling reconsideration restoring robust lifespan.
Verify No Lingering Fuel Odors Remain
Standard recycling centers refuse contaminated cans transporting lingering chemical smells risking noxious exposures. Confirm drained cans have odorless sealing caps before hauling curbside which gets rejected even through tiny leaks emit worrisome smells. Faint hints need professional cleaning before acceptance.
Step 3: Decide the Optimal Approach Recycling Eligible Cans
For verified intact cans that passed the previous inspection, a few environmentally responsible options exist depending on recycling facilities accessible nearby and personal efforts acceptable.
Curbside Pick Up If Accepted By Waste Haulers
Many municipal and private waste contractors allow placing emptied gas cans next to standard curb recycling bins for regular route pickups if lids stay secured shut. This spares personally delivering to centers accepting containers. Check locality guidelines on scheduling and bin markings confirming household plastic collection inclusion.
Drop Off At Nearby Automotive Parts/Liquor Store Recycling
Often retailers selling original gas cans also voluntarily accept returning old units at customer service desks as part of corporate environmental efforts, regardless of initial purchase origin. So stores like Walmart, Hardware chains, or marinas frequented already facilitate easy recycling.
Deliver Cleaned Cans to Specialty Plastic Recyclers
For heavily used intact gas cans, best practice involves thoroughly pressure rinsing insides removing oily residue completely before attempting recycling. Then delivering batches directly to specialty large-scale plastic processors increases actual reprocessing rather than refusing overly contaminated single units. Confirm rinsing meets their criteria beforehand.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Protocols for Damaged Gas Cans
Since leaks or spill risks prevent mainstream recycling, discharge all cans failed condition checks using designated regional hazardous waste disposal frameworks cautions regarding agitated petrol contact threats.
Responsible Landfill Routes for Household Quantities
Contacting local county municipal offices gives guidance for residents needing proper discharge of damaged combustible goods through available hazardous waste procedures. These range from secured curbside placements using dedicated containment bins to drop-off dates at licensed sorted landfills in the nearest metro area. Follow directives ensuring safe containment.
Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines
For very large batched waste situations like RV dealers, shops, or storage sites holding vast gasoline relics, federal EPA mandates apply needing certified waste partnering. Check subject guides on safely manifesting and transporting significant fuel and chemical garbage to registered environmental disposal organizations preventing ecological harm.
Repurposing Old Plastic Gas Cans Inviting Decor Possibilities
Before resigning usable capacity gas vessels into waste chains, consider diverting faded old cans and finding renewed purpose in delivering lifestyle functions and transforming living spaces.
Decor Items Uplifting Walls and Edges
With thorough cleaning removing all residue, retro red sheen plastic gets liberated from explosive worries ready to get ingrained back into homes. Outdoorsy homeowners create rustic charm incorporating properly emptied gasoline cages flanking porch staging zones or framing visages along fence lines needing defined visual endpoints.
Storage Containers Rearranging Clutter
Functional gallons discarded potentially provide myriad storage solutions within garages and sheds aiding organization through identifiable departmental vessels. Sports balls, garden tools, or fasteners get handy homes allowing usage-based sorting inside clearly marked non-reactive containers.
Repurposed plastic gas cans find recreational Release when artistry meets practicality!
So refresh and reuse eligible legacy gas tanks serving property improvements before discarding properly at end-of-life when all options exhaust fully optimizing loyal carriers of explosive fuels during operational chapters!
Related FAQs
How are plastic and metal gas cans recycled differently?
While metal cans just need basic cleaning before recycling, plastic units require complete removal even faint fuel stenches before acceptance as contamination risks remain permeable. This demands rigorous purging.
Can I repurpose visibly damaged gas cans?
Absolutely not! Cracked plastic is unsafe for reuse risking spill messes and vapour leaks around homes. Heavily damaged units only qualify for secured landfill hazardous waste disposal preventing risks of reusing compromised containers.
Is it advisable to use an old gas can for storing drinking water?
Never reuse any chemical storage vessels for potable water regardless of cleaning attempts to remove residuals. Toxic benzene layers penetrating plastic permanently pose health issues beyond washing capabilities. Only use intended water bottles free of prior chemical contact avoiding horrible consequences.
Following mindful fuel residue elimination and pre-sorting to maximize recycling rates for aging gas carriers, over 20 gallons of functional capacity gets responsibly diverted from landfills annually. Checking local guidelines and proactive marshalling prevents hurried dumping of hazardous wares as valued RVing gear retires needing careful handling to protect people and environmental welfare.
