How to Dispose of Old Gasoline in Temecula, CA

Why old gasoline is a hazard

Gasoline older than 3–6 months oxidizes and loses combustibility, but it stays flammable and highly toxic. Pouring it out contaminates soil and groundwater — a federal offense under the Clean Water Act — and mixing it into regular trash causes truck and landfill fires every year.

Legal options in Temecula

• Riverside County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events — free for county residents, held periodically in Temecula and Murrieta. Bring gasoline in an approved sealed metal or approved plastic fuel container.
• Permanent ABOP (Antifreeze, Batteries, Oil, Paint) sites in Riverside County — some accept small quantities of gasoline; call ahead to confirm.
• AutoZone, O'Reilly, and other Temecula auto parts stores accept used motor oil but NOT gasoline — do not attempt to drop gasoline there.
• If you have a large quantity (5+ gallons) or contaminated fuel from a boat/RV, contact a licensed hazardous waste hauler.

How to transport gasoline safely to HHW

• Use an approved gasoline container (red, vented, labeled) — never a milk jug, water bottle, or unlabeled container
• Transport in an open truck bed or trunk with the container secured upright
• No smoking, no phone use, and keep windows cracked
• Bring proof of Riverside County residency (utility bill or license)

What NOT to do

• Never pour gasoline down a storm drain, sink, toilet, or on the ground — federal violation with steep fines
• Never mix gasoline with motor oil, paint, or other chemicals
• Never place gasoline (or containers with residue) in a curbside trash, recycling, or roll-off dumpster
• Never store gasoline indoors or near a water heater/pilot light

Can Nexa Cleanouts haul gasoline?

No — we do not haul hazardous waste, including gasoline. If you're doing a full garage or estate clean-out in Temecula and find old gasoline, set it aside for HHW drop-off. We'll handle everything else in the garage in the same visit.