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How To Dispose of Kerosene?

How To Dispose of Kerosene?

Like most other chemicals and fuel oils, kerosene has to be disposed of in the right way. Use this expert guide to find out exactly what to do.

Do you have some old kerosene sitting around that you need to get rid of?

If so, you’ve probably been tempted to just dump it out and be done with it, right?

Even though getting rid of it the right way might be a bit of a headache, it’s still the right and safe way to do it. So, how do you safely dispose of kerosene? Since kerosene is considered a hazardous material, you can’t just dump it out or pour it down the drain.

In order to safely and properly dispose of kerosene, you should take it to your local hazardous waste facility, automotive shop, or gas station.

Kerosene is a flammable liquid, so if you’re not careful, you could start a fire. In this article, we will discuss how to safely dispose of kerosene.

We’ll also talk about how to tell if kerosene has gone bad and ways to make it last longer.

In an effort to create the most comprehensive place on the net to answer all of your kerosene questions, we scoured the web for all the information we could find.

In doing so, we’re confident that we’re putting out nothing but the best content so that you can have confidence in everything you read on this site. 

How Do You Dispose of Kerosene?

If you’ve ever changed the oil in your car before, then you probably know that you’re not supposed to just dump it down the drain or bury it. The same goes for kerosene when it gets old and goes bad. 

Many of these fuels, oils, and other chemical substances are classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Kerosene is no exception.

The easiest way to dispose of kerosene is to drop it off at your local hazardous waste facility.

Many towns and cities have these facilities where you can take all sorts of hazardous materials like old paint, cleaning supplies, and even electronics.

They will usually have a special place to drop off flammable liquids like kerosene.

A similar option to the above is to check out your local gas stations or automotive shops. Some of these places may accept old kerosene for disposal.

They may even have a special tank or drum that they use to store it in until they can dispose of it properly themselves.

Another option is to simply pour the kerosene into a metal container and then leave it out in the sun to evaporate.

This will take a long time, however, since kerosene doesn’t evaporate even remotely as quickly as something like gasoline, but it’s a safe way to get rid of small amounts of kerosene. 

Just make sure that the container is sealed tightly (yet is still ventilated) so that no one accidentally tips it over.

Is It Illegal to Just Dump Old Kerosene Out?

You might be wondering if it’s legal to just pour your old kerosene down the drain or into the ground. 

The answer to that is it depends on where you live.

In some places around the world it may be a bit of a gray area, but in others you could get fined or even arrested.

It’s always best to check with your local laws and regulations before you try to dispose of any hazardous materials on your own.

That being said, we would not recommend dumping kerosene anywhere, since it’s harmful to the environment and is a fire hazard.

If you must dispose of it, always do so in a safe and responsible manner, like one of the options discussed above. 

You should never just dump it out or bury it in the ground, regardless of the legality of it.

How Can You Tell That Kerosene Has Gone Bad?

Now that you know how to dispose of kerosene, you might be wondering how you can tell when it’s time to get rid of it.

After all, kerosene doesn’t exactly have an expiration date like milk does.

However, there are still ways to tell if it has gone bad.

One way to tell is by the smell. If the kerosene smells sour or has a strong odor, then it’s probably time to get rid of it. 

You might also notice that the color has changed or that it’s become cloudy.

You can also start to tell if the kerosene is starting to break down by noticing a difference in color.

When it starts to go bad, kerosene can become cloudy or even start to turn yellow.

If you notice any of these changes, it’s time to get rid of the kerosene by following one of the methods described above.

Another way to tell if kerosene has gone bad is by trying to burn it. If the kerosene doesn’t burn well or produce a lot of smoke, then it’s no longer good.

You should also dispose of kerosene if it’s been more than a year since you’ve used it. While kerosene can technically for 2 to 5 years, it will start to degrade over time.

kerosene storage

How Long Does Kerosene Last?

While kerosene can physically last almost indefinitely if it’s stored properly (since it evaporates incredibly slowly), it will still start to degrade over time

After a year or two, you might notice that the kerosene isn’t burning as well or that it’s producing more smoke than usual.

If this is the case, then it’s probably time to get rid of it.

In most cases, kerosene can last for around 2 to 5 years if it’s stored properly.

However, there are a few things you can do to make it last as long as possible and get the most life out of it that you can. 

Some tips and tricks for doing this include:

  • Storing kerosene in a cool, dark place to prevent it from degrading.
  • Making sure that the container is always sealed tightly to prevent evaporation.
  • Adding a stabilizer to the kerosene to help extend its shelf life even further. 

By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your kerosene and make sure that it lasts for as long as you need it. Kerosene is a great way to fuel lanterns and heaters, but it’s important to know how to dispose of it properly. 

Summing Up How to Dispose of Kerosene

It’s incredibly important to dispose of kerosene in the right way. Taking old kerosene to your local hazardous waste facility, gas station, or mechanic is the best and safest way to dispose of kerosene.

If it starts to degrade over time, it will also lose its effectiveness. You should never just dump kerosene out or pour it into the ground.

Hopefully this article has helped to clear some things up for you. Remember, always check with your local laws and regulations before trying to dispose of kerosene on your own.

Lindsay Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of ProjectPerfectHome.com! I created this website to be a resource for everyone who wants to make the best home possible.