How To Store Gasoline Safely

Gasoline is dangerous if not handled and stored properly. Old gas also poses a risk to your engines and equipment. This is a lesson I learned the hard way when rebuilding a motorcycle. When I went to re-assemble the bike, I discovered leftover gas had been sitting in the carburetors— for over two years.

The gum and varnish build-up was horrible. I had to completely rebuild all four carbs which cost me money and required hours of unplanned work. While doing this work, I also realized my mistake of leaving gasoline unchecked in my garage. Never again.

About the Expert

Jay Cork used to manage an auto parts store and has been wrenching on cars long before he was allowed to drive them (legally).

Sources

• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Flammable AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS CODE (2024)
• American Petroleum Institute: Safe Storage and Disposal of Gasoline
• Exxon-Mobil: Safety & storage

Approved Gasoline Containers

According to The Department of Transportation (DOT), approved gas storage containers must be in accordance with National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Flammable and Combustible Liquids code. OSHA has some things to say about all this as well. All of which is based on the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) guidelines. Whew! Let’s try to cut through the fog a little bit. The following is a list of the types of containers approved for gasoline storage.

Consumer-grade gas cans

Consumer grade gas cans are made from either metal or plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). I prefer plastic cans because they’re lightweight, inexpensive and won’t rust. These are intended for home use only and are going to be found at your local auto parts store or home center in capacities of 5-gallons or less.

Metal and polyethylene “safety cans”

UL-listed containers, also called “safety cans,” are required by OSHA when gasoline is stored on commercial or construction sites. As their name implies, these offer a level of safety not often found with consumer cans. They’re 100% leak-tested and have self-closing lids with flame arrestors. Made from either metal or polyethylene (and sometimes polyethylene-lined metal), these are a step-up in price, averaging around $100 or more. Find safety cans through industrial supply houses.

DOT-approved containers

When transporting combustible liquids on public roads and highways with a commercial vehicle, containers must be approved by the DOT and OSHA. With even more stringent safety features than safety cans, their lids are lockable and the handles provide protection for the lid in case it takes a tumble. DOT-approved safety cans often cost more than $300 and are available through industrial and safety supply chains.

What color are approved gasoline containers?

Containers for gasoline should always be red. Yellow is for diesel, blue is for kerosene and green is for the storage of oils.

The safety of your family and property must always come first. While OSHA is never going to come knocking on your door, it’s wise to take every precaution when storing gasoline.

Where To Store Gasoline

The safest place to store gasoline is in an approved gasoline container in a detached garage or shed out of direct sunlight and at least 50 feet away from pilot lights and ignition sources such as the heat, sparks and flames from a water heater, space heater or furnace. Never store gasoline in the house!

If you store your gas cans on the garage floor, put a piece of plywood between them and the concrete floor. This prevents condensation and rust. Make sure to keep gasoline containers safely out of the reach of children.

Safety Note: Never store gas in glass containers! No glass containers are approved for gasoline storage. Glass can easily be broken, spilling the flammable contents instantly. This is a massive fire risk if there’s a hot engine or ignition source nearby.

How To Store Gasoline

To repeat: Gasoline should be stored in plastic or metal containers no larger than five gallons. Fill the containers no more than 95% full to allow for expansion and keep the cap tight on the container.

How long can you safely store gasoline?

According to Exxon-Mobil, gasoline should be used within a month of purchase for best quality. In my experience, as long as proper storage guidelines are followed, gasoline is usually fine for up to six months.

When storing gasoline for your generator, lawn mower or other equipment, always add a fuel stabilizer right away when the gas is new. Stabilizers contain antioxidants and biocides to prevent compounds and microbial growth from forming in the gas. Stabilizers can extend the life of stored gasoline to more than a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you store gasoline outside?

Yes, as long as it’s at least 50 feet away from living quarters, away from ignition sources and is out of reach of children. Check with your local government to ensure you are following the law.

How much gasoline can I store?

Fire codes typically restrict gas storage to no more than a total of 25 gallons in five gallon cans.

Which is safer, metal or plastic gas cans?

For the consumer, there is no real difference in the level of safety between metal and plastic. In the long run, I believe plastic is the safer option because metal gas cans can rust and this can cause leaks or contamination.

What color are approved gasoline containers?

Approved containers are red in color with yellow labeling or stenciling indicating the contents.

Can I mix new gas with old?

The short answer is no. The old gas will contaminate the new gas and the result will be a full container of essentially old gas. Don’t do it.

Can I resurrect old gas?

Sorry, but no. Adding stabilizer to old gas will not make the old gas better again.

What bottles can hold gasoline?

None. It is against the law to fill plastic or glass bottles with gasoline.

What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 gas cans?

This is an easy one to remember: Type 1 containers have a single opening, so the gas is poured in through the same opening that is used to pour it out. Type 2 containers have two openings; a larger one for filling and a smaller one for pouring.

Can I leave gas in my lawnmower or snowblower?

When the engine won’t be used for an extended period of time, it’s best to drain the fuel tank, run the engine until it stalls and then drain the carburetor.

What if I spill gasoline?

Check with your local government or hazardous waste disposal center to determine the protocol for disposing of spilled gasoline. Put recovered gasoline and cleanup materials in approved, labeled containers for proper disposal. Spilled gasoline (or cleaning materials) should never be left on the ground or put in your garbage, drains, toilets or sewers. Putting gas in any of these could cause a fire, or the gas could seep into streams, rivers and lakes or contaminate groundwater.

Remember, only use gasoline for its intended purpose, which is fuel for internal combustion engines. Keep gas stored only when absolutely necessary. It should not be used as a solvent, cleaner, barbecue starter or for any other non-engine use.

What should I do with old gas?

If you have one in your community, take your old gasoline to a household hazardous waste facility. If you don’t have an HHW center near you, check with your local service stations or repair shops to see if they will recycle old gas.