Can I Store Gasoline in Plastic Containers?
We are frequently asked whether our standard plastic containers, drums and IBCs are suitable for gasoline storage. The general consensus? Storing gasoline in general-purpose plastic drums, totes, and containers is not a good idea. Gasoline should only be stored in containers that are specifically manufactured for gasoline storage, like our Type I Safety Cans and Type II Safety Cans. Gas containers can be made of plastic or metal, but are always fortified with safety features.
Gasoline is capable of breaking down the chemical bonds that make up simple plastic containers, weakening the material’s strength and structure. Proper plastic gas cans are usually made of thick, reinforced HDPE. However, common HDPE containers like milk jugs still risk becoming soft overtime, and do not offer the necessary ventilation to eliminate fire hazards.
How Long Can Gas Be Stored in a Plastic Container?
How long does gas last in a plastic container? When stored properly in an approved gasoline container, the answer is about three to six months. Gasoline tends to degrade due to oxidation and evaporation, so oxygen, heat, and humidity can alter its condition. Expired or degraded gas experiences reduced combustibility. If used, it can damage internal engine components, forming gum residue and leading to blockage. Keeping your gasoline container tightly close during the storage period will preserve its condition and prevent hazardous spills.
As for how long plastic gas cans last, it is recommended to replace your gas can every 5 years if you notice any change in quality of the container: material deterioration, wear and tear, etc.
Tips forSafe Storage of Gasoline
With a flashpoint of -45ºF (-43ºC), gasoline is a highly flammable, extremely corrosive liquid. When stored in standard plastic containers, such as milk jugs or plastic drums, gasoline and other fuels can react with the chemical composition of the plastic and break down its chemical bonds. These chemical bonds hold the plastic’s polymers in place to give the plastic its structure and strength. This breakdown can also affect the fuel’s chemical composition and cause the fuel itself to become unstable and, often, unusable.
Gasoline vapors are also a concern. Any container designed to hold gasoline must be properly vented to prevent these vapors from building up. The vapor itself is flammable and the pressure can build up leading to a potentially dangerous situation if it is not stored properly. Additionally, most state and local municipalities have fire codes and regulations that must be followed to ensure safe storage. Other general safety tips include:
- Use tanks or cans that are approved to hold gasoline
- Keep gasoline and other flammable liquids away from potential heat sources (e.g., lit cigarettes, pilot lights, hot water heaters, etc.)
- Fill small engines when they’re cooled
- Do not mix gasoline with other substances
- Store gasoline in a separate building, such as a garage or shed
- Clean spills immediately with appropriate cleaning materials
- Follow state and local fire codes and regulation mandates
Keeping Your Containers in a Safe Place
Due to their flammable nature, gas cans need to be stored in specific environments for optimized safety. It is recommended to keep gas cans in a separate building, such as a detached garage or shed. Gas cans should be stored in leak-proof or flammable safety cabinets, out of the reach of children and pets. The containers should be kept away from sources of ignition such as water heaters, furnaces, pilot lights, and power tools. The environment should be kept at room temperature, void of sun or any heat sources. Heat can lead to evaporation and hazardous vapor leaks, or else cause ignition.
SHOP FLAMMABLE SAFETY CABINETS
View Full Category
-
Sure-Grip® EX Benchtop Flammable Safety Cabinet for Aerosol Cans, M/C Door, Yellow
Part #: 37BF57
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,490.000 ea.
- 3 $1,400.600 ea.
- 5 $1,357.490 ea.
- 10 $1,334.870 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Mini Flammable Safety Cabinet, 2 Gallon, M/C Door, Yellow
Part #: 37BF58
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $581.000 ea.
- 3 $546.140 ea.
- 5 $529.330 ea.
- 10 $520.510 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Wall Mount Flammable Safety Cabinet, 20 Gallon, M/C Door, Yellow
Part #: 37BF14
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,260.000 ea.
- 3 $1,184.400 ea.
- 5 $1,147.930 ea.
- 10 $1,128.800 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Wall Mount Flammable Safety Cabinet, 17 Gallon, M/C Door, Yellow
Part #: 37BF13
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,120.000 ea.
- 3 $1,052.800 ea.
- 5 $1,020.400 ea.
- 10 $1,003.390 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Piggyback Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, M/C Doors, Yellow
Part #: 37BE99
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $914.000 ea.
- 3 $859.160 ea.
- 5 $832.710 ea.
- 10 $818.830 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Compac Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, M/C Door, Yellow
Part #: 37BE02
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $803.000 ea.
- 3 $754.820 ea.
- 5 $731.580 ea.
- 10 $719.390 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Compac Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, M/C Door, Gray
Part #: 37BE04
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $884.000 ea.
- 3 $830.960 ea.
- 5 $805.390 ea.
- 10 $791.970 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Compac Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, M/C Door, Red
Part #: 37BE03
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $884.000 ea.
- 3 $830.960 ea.
- 5 $805.380 ea.
- 10 $791.970 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Compac Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, M/C Door, White
Part #: 37BE05
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $884.000 ea.
- 3 $830.960 ea.
- 5 $805.380 ea.
- 10 $791.950 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Compac Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, S/C Door, Yellow
Part #: 37BE06
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,020.000 ea.
- 3 $958.800 ea.
- 5 $929.260 ea.
- 10 $913.800 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Compac Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, S/C Door, Red
Part #: 37BE07
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,090.000 ea.
- 3 $1,024.600 ea.
- 5 $993.080 ea.
- 10 $976.500 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Compac Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, S/C Door, Gray
Part #: 37BF01
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,090.000 ea.
- 3 $1,024.600 ea.
- 5 $993.070 ea.
- 10 $976.510 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Compac Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, S/C Door, White
Part #: 37BF02
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,090.000 ea.
- 3 $1,024.600 ea.
- 5 $993.040 ea.
- 10 $976.510 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Compac Flammable Safety Cabinet, 15 Gallon, M/C Door, Yellow
Part #: 37BF03
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $927.000 ea.
- 3 $871.380 ea.
- 5 $844.570 ea.
- 10 $830.480 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Piggyback Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, M/C Doors, Red
Part #: 37BE10
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,010.000 ea.
- 3 $949.400 ea.
- 5 $920.170 ea.
- 10 $904.840 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Piggyback Flammable Safety Cabinet, 12 Gallon, M/C Doors, Gray
Part #: 37BE11
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,010.000 ea.
- 3 $949.400 ea.
- 5 $920.160 ea.
- 10 $904.830 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Piggyback Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, M/C Doors, White
Part #: 37BE12
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,010.000 ea.
- 3 $949.400 ea.
- 5 $920.160 ea.
- 10 $904.840 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Piggyback Flammable Safety Cabinet, 12 Gallon, S/C Doors, Yellow
Part #: 37BE13
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,090.000 ea.
- 3 $1,024.600 ea.
- 5 $993.060 ea.
- 10 $976.510 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Piggyback Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, S/C Doors, Red
Part #: 37BE14
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,160.000 ea.
- 3 $1,090.400 ea.
- 5 $1,056.860 ea.
- 10 $1,039.210 ea.
-
Sure-Grip® EX Piggyback Flammable Safety Cabinet,12 Gallon, S/C Doors, Gray
Part #: 37BE15
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $1,160.000 ea.
- 3 $1,090.400 ea.
- 5 $1,056.840 ea.
- 10 $1,039.200 ea.
Filling and Moving Your Containers Safely
Before you ask yourself “how long does gas last in a plastic container?”, you will need to fill your can at a gas station. Depending on the type of container you are filling, removing the lid may look differently. Take your can out of your vehicle and place it on the ground. It is crucial to avoid uneven surfaces, lined truck beds, and carpeted car floors to avoid igniting the gasoline. Insert the fuel pump nozzle into the valve of the gas container, allowing the nozzle to touch the rim so as to dissipate static electricity. Only fill the container up about 95%, allowing for room in case the gasoline expands from heat. Tightly secure the container cap or lid on the can. Wipe down the can’s exterior.
When transporting a full gas can, make sure to check that the closures are on tightly. Place the container upright in your car’s bed or trunk, away from direct sunlight. The front or back seat of your vehicle is likely exposed to too much direct sunlight. Stabilize your gas can however possible, whether with bungee cords or heavy items, so it does not tip over. It is not safe to store gasoline in a vehicle; the container should be removed as soon as you reach your destination and kept in a safe environment.
What Containersare Approved to Hold Gasoline?
For smaller amounts of gasoline, Type I and Type II safety cans are specifically designed for this purpose. Also known as gas cans, these containers are made of specially formulated plastic and metal that can withstand gasoline’s corrosive effects without deteriorating. The main difference between Type I and Type II cans is Type I cans have a single opening for pouring and filling, while Type II cans have two separate openings for filling and pouring. These containers are rigorously tested to achieve FM and UL approvals and should beOSHA and NFPA compliant.
To meet OSHA safety mandates for proper handling in commercial settings, gasoline must be stored in a red safety can with a yellow band to label the container with the name of its contents. This makes these cans easily identifiable and an effective way to promote safe handling. Other OSHA compliant features for safety cans include:
- A flash arresting screen
- Spring-closing lid and spout cover
- Designed to safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure
SHOP TYPE I SAFETY CANS
View Full Category
-
1 Pint, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Red
Part #: 37BS40
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $122.500 ea.
- 3 $115.150 ea.
- 10 $112.280 ea.
- 20 $110.410 ea.
-
1 Pint, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Yellow
Part #: 37BS41
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $128.820 ea.
- 3 $121.090 ea.
- 10 $118.750 ea.
- 20 $116.750 ea.
-
1 Pint, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Yellow (Multi-Lingual)
Part #: 37BS42
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $167.430 ea.
-
1 Quart, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Red
Part #: 37BS43
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $112.480 ea.
- 3 $105.730 ea.
- 10 $102.330 ea.
- 20 $99.040 ea.
-
1 Quart, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Red (Multi-Lingual)
Part #: 37BS44
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $84.850 ea.
-
1 Quart, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Blue
Part #: 37BS45
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $116.100 ea.
-
1 Quart, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Yellow
Part #: 37BS46
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $140.360 ea.
- 2 $138.510 ea.
- 5 $133.180 ea.
-
1 Quart, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Yellow (Multi-Lingual)
Part #: 37BS47
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $192.280 ea.
-
1/2 Gallon, Polyethylene Type I Safety Can w/Stainless Steel Hardware for Flammables, Red, Oval
Part #: 37BL33
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $84.230 ea.
- 2 $86.340 ea.
- 5 $83.150 ea.
- 10 $76.750 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Polyethylene Type I Safety Can w/Stainless Steel Hardware for Flammables, Red, Oval
Part #: 37BL30
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $91.760 ea.
- 2 $94.050 ea.
- 5 $90.550 ea.
- 10 $83.620 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Polyethylene Type I Safety Can w/Stainless Steel Hardware for Flammables, White, Oval
Part #: 37BL29
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $90.940 ea.
- 2 $90.890 ea.
- 5 $89.740 ea.
- 10 $82.870 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Red
Part #: 37BS48
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $65.780 ea.
- 5 $63.110 ea.
- 10 $59.930 ea.
- 20 $58.940 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type I Safety Can w/Trigger-Handle for Flammables, Red (Multi-Lingual)
Part #: 37BS49
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $114.390 ea.
- 3 $104.290 ea.
- 5 $95.330 ea.
- 10 $85.010 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type I Safety Can w/Self-Close Lid for Flammables, Red
Part #: 37BS50
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $52.090 ea.
- 3 $48.960 ea.
- 10 $47.590 ea.
- 20 $46.790 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type I Safety Can w/Self-Close Lid for Flammables, Red (Multi-Lingual)
Part #: 37BS51
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $70.520 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type I Safety Can w/Self-Close Lid for Flammables, Red, Funnel
Part #: 37BS52
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $59.570 ea.
- 3 $56.000 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type I Safety Can w/Self-Close Lid for Flammables, Yellow
Part #: 37BS53
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $65.300 ea.
- 5 $62.120 ea.
- 10 $59.180 ea.
- 25 $57.150 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type I Safety Can w/Self-Close Lid for Flammables, Yellow (Multi-Lingual)
Part #: 37BS54
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $86.770 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type I Safety Can w/Self-Close Lid for Flammables, Yellow, Funnel
Part #: 37BS55
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $72.610 ea.
- 5 $72.720 ea.
- 10 $68.640 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type I Safety Can w/Self-Close Lid for Flammables, Blue
Part #: 37BS56
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $65.300 ea.
- 3 $61.380 ea.
- 10 $59.650 ea.
- 20 $58.670 ea.
SHOP TYPE II SAFETY CANS
View Full Category
-
5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Green
Part #: 37BL66
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $127.430 ea.
- 5 $123.350 ea.
- 10 $116.080 ea.
-
5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Blue
Part #: 37BL65
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $127.430 ea.
- 5 $123.350 ea.
- 10 $116.080 ea.
-
5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Yellow
Part #: 37BL64
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $127.430 ea.
- 5 $123.350 ea.
- 10 $116.080 ea.
-
5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Red
Part #: 37BL63
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $122.000 ea.
- 5 $119.300 ea.
- 10 $111.130 ea.
-
2.5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/1" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Green
Part #: 37BL62
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $126.080 ea.
- 5 $122.020 ea.
- 10 $114.880 ea.
-
2.5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/1" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Blue
Part #: 37BL61
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $126.080 ea.
- 5 $122.020 ea.
- 10 $114.880 ea.
-
2.5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/1" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Yellow
Part #: 37BL60
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $126.080 ea.
- 5 $122.020 ea.
- 10 $114.880 ea.
-
2.5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/1" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Red
Part #: 37BL59
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $119.390 ea.
- 5 $115.580 ea.
- 10 $108.780 ea.
-
2.5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Green
Part #: 37BL58
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $126.080 ea.
- 5 $122.020 ea.
- 10 $114.880 ea.
-
2.5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Blue
Part #: 37BL57
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $126.080 ea.
- 5 $122.020 ea.
- 10 $114.880 ea.
-
2.5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Yellow
Part #: 37BL56
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $126.080 ea.
- 5 $122.020 ea.
- 10 $114.880 ea.
-
2.5 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Red
Part #: 37BL55
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $119.390 ea.
- 5 $115.580 ea.
- 10 $108.780 ea.
-
2 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Green
Part #: 37BL54
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $124.690 ea.
- 5 $120.690 ea.
- 10 $113.610 ea.
-
2 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Blue
Part #: 37BL53
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $124.690 ea.
- 5 $120.690 ea.
- 10 $113.610 ea.
-
2 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Yellow
Part #: 37BL52
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $124.690 ea.
- 5 $120.690 ea.
- 10 $113.610 ea.
-
2 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Red
Part #: 37BL51
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $116.430 ea.
- 5 $113.870 ea.
- 10 $106.070 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Green
Part #: 37BL50
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $123.330 ea.
- 5 $119.390 ea.
- 10 $112.380 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Blue
Part #: 37BL49
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $123.330 ea.
- 5 $119.390 ea.
- 10 $112.380 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Yellow
Part #: 37BL48
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $123.330 ea.
- 5 $119.390 ea.
- 10 $112.380 ea.
-
1 Gallon, Type II Steel Safety Can w/5/8" Dia. Hose for Flammables, Red
Part #: 37BL47
- Quantity Qty Price
- 1 $117.510 ea.
- 5 $114.870 ea.
- 10 $107.060 ea.
For larger quantities of gasoline in industrial settings, specially designed storage cabinets for flammables should be used in order to meet NFPA 30 requirements.
Can You Use Steel Drums for Storing Flammable Liquids?
Although storing fuel in plastic drums is not advisable, steel drums may be an option for storage of gasoline. Steel drums are extremely durable and resilient, and are composed of materials that are less likely to interact with flammable chemicals. Part #26WG55, 55 Gallon Tight Head Steel Drum, UN Rated, 2" & 3/4" Nylon Fittings, Unlined is UN rated to store flammables and includes a nylon plug that allows the drum contents to vent, reducing the risk of vapor buildup which can lead to the chance of explosion. Nylon plugs melt as the temperature rises in case of fire, which will also reduce the chance of explosion. Fuels like gasoline and diesel should also be stored under certain conditions which will keep the liquids in usable conditions. Some other considerations for diesel fuel storage include:
- Avoid contact with zinc, copper, or metal alloys that contain zinc or copper. These metals react with diesel and form unstable compounds, which means there is higher potential for dangerous chemical reactions like explosions. If such contact is inevitable, a metal deactivator additive will help.
- Avoid the presence of water. Water permits growth of fungus and bacteria, whose natural byproducts can make the fuel unstable.
- Store the fuel in ambient temperatures of 68ºF (20ºC).
- Minimize exposure to dust and dirt which contain trace elements like copper and zinc, which can destabilize the fuel.
What is Plastic Good For?
As a packaging medium, plastic has become a key player in many industries. Often a suitable alternative to glass and metal containers, plastic containers are lightweight, durable, shatter-resistant and, in many cases, less expensive in material costs and in shipping expenses. As strong and durable as many types of plastic containers are, standard plastics do have some limitations, such as their ability to store gasoline. However, plastic containers are excellent for many other uses, with wholesale options of bottles, jars, jugs, paint cans, pails, drums, etc. for industries such as agricultural, food & beverage, chemical, industrial, pharmaceutical, and more.
Discover Our Safe Storage Solutions!
It is important to consider plastic’s limitations. Standard plastic containers are not a good option for storing gasoline. Always use caution when handling flammables and always follow safety guidelines. The proper handling of gasoline and other flammables is critical to ensure storage safety.
If you would like to find out more about the safety storage options available, please contact one of our product experts via emailor call us at 630.629.6600 today!
This information has been provided as a general guide. It is the customer's responsibility to select the proper container for product and application compatibility. For more information about requirements for storing and handling flammable liquids, please consult your local, state and federal regulations.
