Super Petrol

[dnb]

I have a little problem here, a guy offered me some old fuel drums that I accepted so he dropped them off this afternoon.
One problem, now I also have about 40 gallons of super grade (Leaded) petrol that has been in the drums since 1984. I also have several gallons of what smells like hydraulic oil. Not totally sure though.
I was expecting empty drums now I've no idea what to do with the contents.... HELP
If anyone in the Melbourne area thinks they can find a use for any of the above please send a message and come and take what you want.. Maybe the fuel can be mixed with some fresh unleaded for mowers etc, I just want to get rid of it asap...
Cheers, Darcy

[Paul In Ireland]

I would think that petrol of that age would have "gone off" so to speak. But you could be right - a mower may be fine with it.

Otherwise, build a bonfire, sprinkle generously and ...  Whoosh!!

[Glenn 'Stinky' Stankevicius]

It would smell a lot like varnish by now, find a responsible (old fuddy-duddy aren't I  ) way to get rid of it by calling your Council, EPA or a petrol company. Sounds like you might have been lumbered with this on purpose 

[EffCee]

Are there any weeds you need to kill, in an area where you don't ever want them to grow back? My grandfather used to change the oil on his car and use it at the base of his paling fence and over time he would work his way around the yard. when he had done a complete circuit he would start again. Any petrol left over from washing car parts went there too. Nothing ever grew adajacent to the fence for about 4" away from the fence and he had a good mowing strip. Fence outlasted him too.

The EPA would probably not see it in the same light as my grandfather did. 

[mc54]

When I got my car there was 20 year old fuel in the tank. Since I was in no position to drain the fuel out I added new fuel and some octane to give it a little sparkle. Car ran fine.


Like previously said.
The best way to get rid of it is to take it to a hazardous waste centre, see if there is one near you. Should be free to drop off (I would phone to make sure) but they may have a limit on how much.
You may also have to leave the drums, it would be unlikely they would have large containers on site for you to pour everything into.
Give your local council a call.


Regards
Mike

[Paul In Ireland]

If they want to keep the drums - can you decant everything into 1 drum and keep the rest?

[dnb]

Now I've had time to check it out a bit more it appears about 20 gallons in round Shell drums was stored in April 1982 and still resembles petrol.
The rest is in old rusty square containers and is definitely past its use by date....
I'll dispose of it via local council, bit peeved cause even the drums are worthless. Aw well, next time I'll have to look first...   

[DN2168]

Put it on Ebay .