dispose of old fuel

[RedTailHawk]

I bought a property 3 years ago, and have been wondering what to do with a blue 55-gallon barrel, which I believe contains some kind of fuel. Haven't opened it yet to figure out if it is gasoline or diesel, but after sitting that long, it can't be usable anymore (who know how long it was sitting in that barrel before I bought the place 3 years ago).

Any recommendations on best way to dispose of the fuel?

 

[ultrarunner]

I use small amounts to kill thistles... even have a home and garden book that says this is the way to do it.

Diesel seems to last for long periods if it is not contaminated.

In my area any homeowner can take up to 5 gallons at a time of fuel to the hazardous material drop off center at no additional charge... it is funded through a special assessment... same for old paint and fluorescent lights.

 

[4570Man]

I use any waste petroleum products to start brush piles.

 

[boggen]

legal smegal... gas / diesel = a no no for killing weeds. but has been used that way for years. contamination of water ways (creaks, lakes, etc..) can happen quickly. even if area does not directly drain down into a creek / lake.

if you are buddies with a local car repair / shop. see if they might take it. i dump all the old oil from oil changes into a 30 gallon drum. as long as there not paper towels and bunch of other crud. the few places i asked around would be willing to take it, and just toss it into there container, for oil changes that they do.

though like other said, diesel can last a for a good long time. if anything you might try running it through a "water filter" you can pickup a water filter at most farm like stores. for use on fuel storage tanks many farmers have. to fuel there tractors and like.

 

[Sodo]

Time to build an oil burner for your shop.

 

[Clay45]

If its 55 gal its a drum. No way to know for certain that what's on top is what's on bottom until you get it out. You could shove a hose down to the bottom and sample from there as well as middle and then top. Put into a clear jar, view and sniff. Hope you discover you have a drum of kerosene, salvasol, or diesel.

GPI LP-50DEF-BRL DEF Lever Hand Pump - For Life Out Here

 

[CCWKen]

You might want to check to see what it is instead of speculating. It could be a barrel of rain water. :confused3:

I also use old fuel for starting fires. And for killing leaf cutter ants, fire ants and all manner of animal and plant pests. If they won't let me buy more than a quart of any chemical without an applicator's license, then I'll use what I have. What comes from the earth returns to the earth sooner or later. I think I'll go out and burn a tire now. I was saving it for Earth Day but what the heck. I like to rattle the tree huggers.

 

[Sodo]

I like to rattle the tree huggers.

That's what happens. In Germany, gov't requires 50% of a cigarette pack's surface must notify users of the dangers of smoking. The kids used that to make them look & feel tough, not afraid. Using the warning to make their "statement" was more important than their health. Little things that don't kill you right away are never compelling.

 

[ModMech]

I soak our "fire starters" in a coffee can of oil/gas/diesel - whatever is around to get the fires going well on the first match.

With oil, I bring it to the dealer that works on our car/truck/van/tractor and they gladly accept it

 

[Sprinklerman]

Deliver it to somebody you dont like .