What to do with 3 full drums of diesel fuel?

May 27, 2016 7:23 PM

My landlord's ex left 3 industrial drums of diesel fuel on the property when they split. I just moved here, and would like the yard space free, which would please everyone since they're just taking up space at this point. What's the most responsible way to get rid of them? Post on Craigslist for people who need bulk fuel? Hazmat? Thanks!
posted by hot_tea to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

Response by poster: ps. this is in California
posted by hot_tea at 7:24 PM on May 27, 2016

Contact your city's hazardous waste disposal center to ask what to do with it.
posted by cecic at 7:32 PM on May 27, 2016 [7 favorites]

They're probably worth a few hundred bucks to someone who needs them, provided that someone who has them knows how to find someone who needs them, and can verify that they haven't been poisoned with sugar or something to get back at an ex. It doesn't sound like they're yours, though, and you just want the yard space, so the hazardous waste crew might as well get the money...
posted by spacewrench at 7:43 PM on May 27, 2016 [3 favorites]

Response by poster: an update that they're apparently biodiesel. And no, they aren't mine, or my landlord's, or the ex's (who disowned them) -- they're just considered trash to everyone here.
posted by hot_tea at 8:43 PM on May 27, 2016

Best answer: I would post them on Craigslist. I would come pick these up from you and dump all of them in my bus/rv if i was near you, and I bet plenty of people around you would too. 150~ gallons is quite a bit of fuel.

How long have they been sitting? Either way, diesel/biodiesel is a lot more shelf stable than gas.
posted by emptythought at 9:29 PM on May 27, 2016

Best answer: Someone will definitely take them if you put an ad up offering them for free. Personally, I wouldn't put mysterious left behind biodiesel in my vehicle, but there are definitely people out there who will. It will probably be fine, but make sure you are clear that you don't know for sure that they are good.
posted by ssg at 10:28 PM on May 27, 2016

Best answer: I might not pour it in my truck but I'd sure pour it in my space heater.
posted by Mitheral at 10:49 PM on May 27, 2016

Best answer: That's farm fuel, if you know any farmers I'm sure they would appreciate it.
posted by ptm at 11:33 PM on May 27, 2016 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: found a taker and have a second waiting in line. thanks AskMeFi!
posted by hot_tea at 1:30 AM on May 30, 2016