Rajan Wilcox
Storing diesel fuel in milk jugs is possible but not recommended. While some people have reported success using plastic milk jugs for temporary diesel storage, others have noted that diesel can dissolve or melt the plastic, potentially contaminating the fuel and rendering it unusable. Additionally, it is against the law to store fuel in non-approved containers. Inexpensive, approved fuel containers are readily available and are a safer option for storing diesel fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I put diesel fuel in milk jugs? | It is not advisable to put diesel fuel in milk jugs as it may dissolve the plastic. |
| Temporary diesel storage | It is recommended to use inexpensive, sealable, 5-gallon plastic gas cans or buckets with screw lids. |
| Fuel-proof container testing | Compare stamps on the bottom of new containers with those on fuel containers. |
| Container preparation | Rinse, soap, and dry containers before use. Coat the inside with rubbing alcohol and let it evaporate. |
| Legal considerations | It is against the law to put any type of fuel in a non-approved container. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic milk jugs may not be safe for storing diesel fuel
While it may be tempting to reuse plastic milk jugs for storing diesel fuel, this practice may not be safe and could potentially lead to several issues.
Firstly, it is important to note that diesel fuel should only be stored in approved containers specifically designed for fuel storage. Using non-approved containers, such as milk jugs, may be illegal in certain places. Additionally, milk jugs are not designed to store fuel and may not have the necessary safety features, such as proper ventilation or leak-proof seals.
Secondly, plastic milk jugs are typically made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, which is considered safe for food and beverage storage. However, this type of plastic may not be compatible with diesel fuel and could potentially dissolve or break down when exposed to it. This can result in the plastic leaching into the fuel, contaminating it, and potentially causing issues when used in vehicles or other equipment.
Furthermore, diesel fuel is a hazardous substance that requires careful handling and storage. Milk jugs are not designed to handle the weight and characteristics of diesel fuel. They may not be structurally strong enough to withstand the pressure and could crack or leak, leading to potential environmental contamination and safety hazards.
Lastly, diesel fuel is highly flammable, and storing it in inappropriate containers like milk jugs poses a significant fire risk. Milk jugs are not designed to store flammable liquids and may not have the necessary safety features to prevent accidental ignition or explosions.
In conclusion, while reusing plastic milk jugs for diesel fuel storage may seem convenient, it is not a safe practice. It is essential to prioritize safety and legality by using approved fuel storage containers designed for diesel fuel.
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It is illegal to put any type of fuel in a non-approved container
Storing diesel fuel in a container not approved for that purpose is illegal and unsafe. In the United States, the "Portable Fuel Container Safety Act of 2020" requires that portable fuel containers include "flame mitigation devices" to help prevent explosions from igniting inside them. This law was enacted after an NBC News investigation found that plastic gas containers were susceptible to explosions under certain conditions, which could cause severe burns.
Approved containers are designed to prevent the escape of fuel and to minimize the risk of fire or explosion. They are typically made of metal and have tight closures with screw or spring covers, equipped with spouts or other means to allow pouring without spilling.
Non-approved containers, such as milk jugs, may not be able to withstand the corrosive effects of diesel fuel, leading to leaks. In addition, the fumes from diesel fuel can accumulate and create a hazardous situation if the container is not properly vented.
Therefore, it is essential to use approved containers for storing diesel fuel to ensure safety and compliance with the law.
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Gas can dissolve or melt the plastic in milk jugs
Gasoline can dissolve or melt the plastic in milk jugs. A user on LawnSite.com reported that they mixed gasoline in a milk jug, and the jug seemed weaker afterward. They were concerned that the gasoline was eating away at the insides of the milk jug. Another user confirmed that the gasoline would dissolve or melt the plastic in the milk jug and advised throwing away the contaminated gasoline.
However, some people have reported using plastic milk jugs and plastic bottles to store gasoline without any issues. One user on SouthBayRiders.com stated that they used plastic milk bottles and Gatorade bottles to store gasoline temporarily and did not mention any problems with the bottles melting or dissolving. Another user on the same forum suggested that the milk jugs used for storing gasoline are made of HDPE recyclable plastic, which is also used for oil containers, and should be fine for a short while.
It is worth noting that gasoline does not affect polypropylene or polyethylene, which are the types of plastic that approved gas cans are made from. However, it is essential to use approved containers for fuel storage to avoid potential safety hazards and legal issues.
In summary, while some people have successfully used milk jugs to store gasoline without issues, there is a risk that the gasoline could dissolve or melt the plastic, especially if left for an extended period. It is recommended to use approved containers specifically designed for fuel storage to ensure safety and avoid contamination.
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Drill-powered oil change pumps are useful for transferring fuel
While some forum users have suggested using empty milk jugs to store diesel fuel, others have warned against it. One person noted that the gas could dissolve or melt the plastic in the milk jug, potentially causing blockages in the engine. Additionally, it is against the law to put any type of fuel in a non-approved container. Instead, it is recommended to use inexpensive fuel containers or sealable paint buckets for temporary diesel storage.
Drill-powered oil change pumps are highly useful for transferring fuel. They are available at boat stores and some Walmarts. These pumps are designed for differential or transmission service and can be operated with one hand, leaving the other hand free to manage suction and discharge hoses. They feature a universal adaptor with a rubber mounting strap that allows all drill sizes to be quickly mounted to the pump. With a high flow rate of 6.3 pints (3L) per minute at 1,200 RPM, these pumps make transferring fuel quick and easy.
The TGR Fluid Transfer Pump, for example, can be powered by an air ratchet or cordless drill and is manufactured from high-strength, chemical-resistant polymer. Its steel gear shafts run in brass bushes, making it suitable for long run cycles. This pump is specifically designed for transferring various fluids, including brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil, coolant, and gear/differential oils.
Another option is the Oil Sucker Pump offered by Amazon, which is eligible for free shipping. While specific details about this pump are not readily available, it is likely to have similar features and functionality to the TGR Fluid Transfer Pump.
Overall, drill-powered oil change pumps offer a convenient and efficient solution for transferring fuel, making them a valuable tool for anyone looking to perform their own oil changes or fuel transfers.
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Some pigmented plastics can withstand diesel fuel
It is not advisable to store diesel fuel in milk jugs or any other non-approved containers. While some plastics can withstand diesel fuel, not all plastic will hold diesel fuel effectively without being rapidly broken down.
Polyethylene plastic, for example, is safe for storing diesel fuel, but there are limits on how long it can be safely stored. Over time, the diesel will react with the plastic polymers, causing the plastic to break down and leading to leakages. The diesel fuel can also start to break down and become unfit for purpose. Government guidelines recommend that diesel fuel be stored for no longer than six months.
Industrial-grade plastic drums are manufactured from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which is specifically designed to hold industrial goods. HDPE drums are strong enough to safely store hazardous waste for long periods. Food-grade HDPE drums are also safe enough to store edible, consumable goods.
Some waste plastics can be converted into automobile fuel through the pyrolysis process. Plastic pyrolysis oil (PPO) has a heating value comparable to commercial diesel. However, PPO has a higher sulphur content, lower flash point, and unpleasant odour.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not advisable to put diesel fuel in a milk jug as it may dissolve the plastic. It is also against the law to put any type of fuel in a non-approved container.
Some alternatives to milk jugs for storing diesel fuel include purchasing inexpensive blue or red 5-gallon gas jugs from stores like Bimart or Walmart.
It is important to only use approved containers for diesel fuel storage. Additionally, diesel fuel should be stored in a well-ventilated area and away from any potential sources of ignition.
