Tips on Recycling Fuel and Other Flammable Liquids

As a nation, the concept of recycling has become second nature. We know we can recycle our aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, newspapers, plastic bottles and more. But few of us may be aware that we can recycle things like gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze and kerosene. It may not conjure up the traditional image of recycling, but many of these items can be recycled into new products or reused as alternative fuels, decreasing the amount of hazardous waste entering the landfills.

Flammable liquids are considered hazardous and, therefore, must be stored and disposed of properly. Improper disposal of liquids such as fuel oil, gasoline, paints, diesel and even mineral oil, can lead to groundwater and drinking water contamination, air pollution and even fire hazard risks, all hazardous to human and environmental health.

Here are some things to consider when getting ready to dispose of your unwanted fuels and flammable liquids:

• Make sure all flammable fluids and unwanted fuels are stored in their proper, labeled containers and safely transported to the appropriate hazardous waste collection center.
• Used motor oil can be recycled into clean lubricant, processed into fuel oils, used as raw materials for the petroleum industry or refined and made into new motor oil.
• The oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water if disposed of improperly. Take used motor oil to your local hazardous waste collection center or automotive center from proper disposal or recycling.
• Just two gallons of used oil can provide a utility boiler with enough fuel to run the electricity of the average household for about 24 hours.
• Haven’t used your car in a while? After a few months of sitting, the gasoline in your car is most likely unusable. Consider adding a stabilizing additive to your tank to make the gasoline usable again.  Or mix a small amount of that gasoline with new gasoline and use for smaller machines such as a lawnmower or go-cart.
• Antifreeze can be regenerated and reused. Take the antifreeze to your hazardous waste collection center or local automotive service station. Never leave antifreeze sitting in an unsafe place as its sweet taste can attract and poison children or animals.