11. Gasoline & Flammable Fuels: HANDLE WITH CARE

The Law: Gasoline, kerosene, and gas-oil mixes are classified as Hazardous Waste. They are strictly banned from all Vermont landfills and sewer systems. Even a small amount of gasoline can contaminate thousands of gallons of groundwater or create an explosive hazard in sewer pipes.

Where to Dispose of Old Fuel:

Note: SWAC Town Transfer Stations DO NOT accept gasoline or flammable fuels.

* Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Events: This is the primary way for residents to dispose of old or “sour” gasoline. You can bring up to 20 gallons (in 5-gallon increments) to any scheduled SWAC HHW Collection Event. * Pro Tip: At these events, you must leave the fuel in the container it was brought in. The haulers cannot “pour off” your gas and hand you back your can.

  • Gleason Road Transfer Station: 14 Gleason Rd, Rutland | (802) 775-7209

    • Gleason Road accepts gasoline daily during normal hours.

    • As of 2026, no permit is required to use this facility, but hazardous waste fees apply. Check for current pricing before you go.

⚠️ Public Safety Alert: Safe Storage & Transport

Gasoline is much more dangerous to transport than regular trash. Follow these steps to get it to a collection site safely:

  1. Use Approved Containers: Only store or transport gasoline in UL-classified plastic or metal “jerry cans.” Never use milk jugs, soda bottles, or glass jars—gasoline can dissolve some plastics and glass is prone to breaking.

  2. Check the Seal: Ensure the cap is tight and the vent is closed to prevent fumes from filling your vehicle.

  3. Secure the Load: Place gas cans in the trunk or the bed of a truck. Secure them with a bungee cord or in a crate so they cannot tip over during a turn.

  4. No Passenger Cabin: Never transport gas cans in the passenger area of a car if you can avoid it. If you must use an SUV, keep the windows cracked for ventilation.

  5. Don’t Mix: Never mix gasoline with used motor oil or antifreeze. Mixed fluids are much more expensive and difficult to process.

💡 Tips and Tricks

  • Is it still good? Fresh gasoline is pale gold. If your gas is dark amber, smells “sour” like varnish, or has visible particles/water at the bottom, it is “bad” and should be disposed of.

  • The “Dilution” Solution: If your gas is only slightly old (3-6 months) and has no water or debris, you can often “rejuvenate” it by mixing it with fresh gas in a 1:5 ratio (1 part old to 5 parts new) and burning it in a lawnmower or older engine. Do not try this with modern fuel-injected cars.

  • Stabilizer is Key: If you are putting a lawnmower or snowblower away for the season, add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and run the engine for 5 minutes. This can keep the fuel fresh for up to 12 months!

  • What about the empty can? Once a gas can is completely air-dried and has no liquid residue, it can be disposed of as scrap metal (if metal) or regular trash (if plastic).