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Proper Gasoline Handling Fact Sheet |
A typical portable fuel container, also called a gas can, emits about 8 pounds of hydrocarbons through spills and evaporation each year.
Compared to a new car, a typical portable fuel container emits twice the amount of hydrocarbons each year.
There are about 78 million portable fuel containers in the United States. In total, portable fuel containers emit about 621 million pounds, or 310,000 tons, of hydrocarbons each year.
A rough estimate of hydrocarbon emissions from gasoline spillage alone is approximately 28,000 tons per year nationwide.
About one tenth of a gallon of gasoline is spilled per portable fuel container each year during typical use and handling.
These releases contribute, at least in part, to the United States Geologic Society (USGS) estimate that more than 40 million people use groundwater that contains at least one volatile organic compound, many of which are components of gasoline.
Gasoline Disposal Resources
The disposal of gasoline requires both proper care and an understanding of applicable state regulations. The following are programs and resources eight northeast states have available for those seeking to dispose of unused gasoline.
Connecticut: The household hazardous waste program will accept unwanted gasoline and gasoline/oil blends. In the program, regional municipal groups organize one-day household hazardous waste collection days. Unwanted gasoline can also be collected by permitted hazardous waste collection facilities.
Maine: Towns and counties arrange hazardous waste collection days where unwanted gasoline and gasoline/oil blends are accepted.
Massachusetts: Unwanted gasoline, especially quantities that are contaminated with water and oil, are accepted at household hazardous waste events held locally.
New Hampshire: Annual or bi-annual household hazardous waste collection programs are available in most communities. A list of collection events is maintained by the Department of Environmental Services' household hazardous waste program.
New Jersey: Hazardous waste days are held monthly or quarterly by local governments where unwanted gasoline is accepted.
New York: Household hazardous waste days are held locally. Gasoline is not accepted universally at the waste days. It is possible that some communities accept gasoline, but the quantities are not tracked by the state government.
Rhode Island: Gasoline and gasoline blends are accepted at the state's Eco-Depot, the Department of Environmental Management's hazardous waste collection facility in Providence. Residents must call the DEM to make an appointment to dispose of hazardous waste.
Vermont: Solid Waste Districts organize household hazardous waste collection days where gasoline and gasoline blends are accepted.
The Alliance for Proper Gasoline Handling
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