How to Dispose of Kerosene Safely

How to dispose of kerosene depends on the condition of the fuel. Clean kerosene that has been stored properly can usually be burned in the heater or lamp it was bought for. Old, cloudy, or contaminated kerosene is a household hazardous waste, and it should go to a hazardous waste drop-off, never down a drain, onto the ground, or into the trash. Here is how to tell the difference and what to do with each.

Is the kerosene still usable?

Kerosene keeps much longer than gasoline, but it does break down. Fuel stored over a season or more in a container that let in air, water, or light can pick up moisture and grow residue. Signs it should not go in a heater:

• It looks cloudy, darker than when it was bought, or has a yellow tint.
• There is water or sludge at the bottom of the can.
• It smells sour or unusually strong.
• It was stored in an unmarked or mismatched container, so you are not sure it is kerosene at all.

Burning bad fuel can make a heater smoke, smell, and build up carbon on the wick. If in doubt, treat it as waste.

Use up good fuel

If the fuel is clear and you have a kerosene heater or lamp, the simplest disposal is to use it. Follow the appliance instructions, run it in a well-ventilated space, and keep a carbon monoxide alarm nearby when using any fuel-burning heater indoors. A neighbor with a kerosene heater may also be glad to take a sealed, clearly labeled can of clean fuel.

Take waste kerosene to a hazardous waste drop-off

Most counties and cities accept kerosene at a household hazardous waste facility or a periodic collection event. Some list it with fuels such as gasoline and diesel. Before you go:

1. Call or check the program’s list. Ask whether they take kerosene, how much per visit, and whether they need it in its original container.
2. Keep it sealed in a fuel can. In the U.S., blue cans are the usual color for kerosene, which helps the staff identify it. Never use a milk jug or drink bottle.
3. Do not mix fuels. Combining kerosene with gasoline, oil, or anything else makes a mixture that is harder to handle and may be refused.
4. Transport it upright in the trunk or truck bed, wedged so it cannot tip, with windows cracked for vapors.

What not to do

• Do not pour kerosene down a sink, toilet, or storm drain. It can harm water treatment and streams.
• Do not dump it on the ground or use it to kill weeds. It can soak into soil and groundwater.
• Do not put liquid kerosene or a partly full can in the trash. It can leak or ignite in the truck.
• Do not burn it in an open fire or a burn barrel.

Empty cans and spill cleanup

A fuel can that has been fully drained and allowed to air out can often be kept and reused. If it is cracked or you no longer need it, ask your hazardous waste program or transfer station how they want empty fuel cans. For a small spill, soak it up with cat litter or absorbent pads, let the material air out outdoors away from flames, and ask the hazardous waste site how to dispose of it.

How to dispose of kerosene FAQ

Can you pour kerosene down the drain?

No. Kerosene can damage plumbing, harm wastewater treatment, and pollute waterways. Take it to a household hazardous waste drop-off instead.

How long does kerosene last?

Stored in a sealed, proper container away from heat and light, kerosene can stay usable for a season or longer, but it degrades over time and with moisture.

Can old kerosene go in the trash?

Liquid kerosene should not go in the trash. Use it up if it is clean, or take it to a hazardous waste facility.

What color container is used for kerosene?

In the U.S., blue fuel cans are the common convention for kerosene, while red is used for gasoline and yellow for diesel.

Can I mix kerosene with old gasoline for disposal?

No. Keep fuels separate. Mixed fuels are harder for hazardous waste programs to handle and may be refused.

The bottom line

How to dispose of kerosene comes down to sorting good fuel from bad. Burn up clean kerosene in the appliance it was meant for, with good ventilation. Seal old or contaminated kerosene in a proper fuel can, keep it separate from other fuels, and take it to your county’s household hazardous waste drop-off or collection day.