Kerosene

Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Collection 
Kerosene needs special handling to avoid toxic exposure for waste workers, the community, and the environment.

City Specific Disposal Options
Please check with your city page (residential or commercial) to confirm if additional options are available, such as home collection, drop-off locations, and/or events. (These options vary per city.)

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off
Your city or county may offer HHW drop-off sites and collection events.
– Los Angeles County: S.A.F.E. Collection Centers and events
– Riverside County
San Bernardino County
– Ventura County 

Disposal Options For Businesses
Hazardous waste cannot be placed in your containers. Schedule a Special Waste Collection by emailing [email protected] or calling Athens’ Customer Service Department at 888-336-6100. Fees may apply.

Some HHW drop-off centers may allow drop off by small business generators (check links above).

sink drain

Never Dump Down the Drain

Kerosene is considered hazardous waste and should never be dumped down the drain. Doing so will contaminate drinking water sources.

kerosene

Store in Opaque Plastic Container

To store kerosene, keep inside opaque plastic containers and out of direct sunlight. Take these precautions to keep fuel safe from combusting or losing its fuel quality.

Ways to Reduce

Use an Alternative Oil

If you use kerosene for an oil lamp, try using a non-petroleum-based oil instead. Check out these alternative oil options.

Did You Know?

Kerosene Does Not Last Forever

Kerosene goes bad over time. When stored properly, it has up to five years of shelf life. This petroleum-based fuel loses its flammable quality when condensation adds water to the storage container over time or mold and bacteria populations transform it into a sludge-like consistency.

How Do You Know When Kerosene Is Bad?

You can tell when kerosene has gone bad when it turns yellow or murky, develops a visible mold or sludge, or begins to smell like gasoline or diesel fuel. Do not try to use kerosene that has gone bad.