Got gas? Check out these new containers

November 8, 2002

Filling without Spilling

How would YOU like to help clean up the air we breathe and protect the water we drink for just 10 bucks?

That's the price of the new spill-proof gas cans that are starting to hit the market. These cans keep gasoline from evaporating into the air and spilling onto the ground. And, when you take time to think about it, that's really a big deal!

Here in Maine, an estimated 6.6 tons of ozone-producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from the use of conventional gas cans each day! Each one emits about 8 pounds of VOCs a year through spillage and evaporation, or about twice as much pollution in one year as a new car! Plus, if you are storing that gas can in a garage attached to your house, then you're first in line to breathe the VOCs and toxic compounds emitted by the gas.

How can such a little can be such a big polluter? Vapors escape every time you pour gas into the lawn mower or snow blower. If the tank is overfilled even more is released. In fact, even when not in use, a conventional plastic gas can is emitting small but continuous amounts of VOCs through its plastic shell.

Spilling gasoline on the ground can impact groundwater as well. Gasoline contains many toxic substances and can move very easily in groundwater. Frequent small spills of gasoline close to a drinking water well could contaminate it, making the water harmful to drink.

So how do these spill-free gas containers protect the air and water?

First the plastic is thicker, which greatly reduces the amount of vapors released through the container itself. Next, to prevent overfills, the spout is designed to automatically shut off flow when the "target" container (e.g. you snow blower's tank) is full. The spout also seals itself off automatically when it's removed from the target container so you never have to remember to put the cap back on. Finally, the area around the spout makes a seal with the target container, reducing the release of vapors but allowing air to vent through an opening in the spout so gas can flow.

After January 1, 2004 a new state law goes into effect that requires Maine retailers to sell spill-proof cans.

There are many of these containers on the market already, but make sure that the one that you buy says "spill-proof system." For two brands with models that meet those requirements see our web site - Homeowner web site

Finally, when you replace your old gas cans with new spill-proof models, make sure that you use up all the gas in the old container and then air out the flammable vapors before you dispose of it as solid waste. Then… sit back and enjoy your 10 dollars' worth of clean air and water!

This article was submitted by David McCaskill, an environmental engineer with the Maine DEP Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management. In Our Back Yard is a weekly column of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. E-mail your environmental questions to infodep@maine.gov or send them to In Our Back Yard, Maine DEP, 17 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.