How to Store Gas Cans Outside Safely

Start with the right container

Gasoline should only go in a can made for it. Milk jugs, glass bottles and old paint cans are not safe, because they can crack, leak or let vapors escape. Look for a can that is clearly labeled for fuel and has a working lid or spout that seals tightly.

Your choices come down to metal safety cans and plastic cans built to meet CARB and EPA rules. Our best gas can comparison lays out both types side by side. Metal cans like the Eagle UI50FS are galvanized steel with a flame arrestor, and the page notes they resist rust and dents. Plastic cans like the Midwest Can 5610 are far lighter and also resist rust and dents.

Pick the right spot outside

Gasoline gives off vapors that are heavier than air and can travel along the ground to a pilot light, a spark or a hot surface. That is why distance and ventilation matter so much. A good spot has these traits:

• Detached from your living space, such as a shed or a covered area away from the house wall.
• Shaded and cool, so heat does not build pressure inside the can.
• Dry and well ventilated, with air able to move through.
• Away from water heaters, furnaces, grills, generators, electric panels and anything that sparks.
• Level and stable, so cans cannot tip over.
• Out of reach of children and pets, ideally behind a lock.

Keep cans cool, upright and off the bare ground

Heat and sunlight are the main enemies outdoors. A can left in direct sun heats up, and the fuel inside expands. Shade, a roof overhang or a vented shed keeps temperatures steadier.

Stand cans upright with the lid fully closed. Setting them on a shelf or a pallet instead of bare dirt keeps the bottom dry, which helps metal cans avoid rust and keeps dirt out of the area around the spout. If you worry about leaks, set each can in a shallow spill tray or on a sheet of non-flammable material so a drip is easy to spot and contain.

Do not store cans in a car trunk, the cab of a truck or any enclosed vehicle space. Vapors build up there quickly and a spill is hard to notice.

Match the can to your storage setup

The can you choose affects how easy storage is. Weight matters most, because gasoline weighs about 6 pounds per gallon. A full 5 gallon can holds roughly 30 pounds of fuel before you count the can itself. Here is how several cans from our comparison stack up, using published specifications:

What the table tells you

Metal cans add several pounds before you pour in any fuel, so a full one is a real lift when you set it on a shelf. If your storage is on the floor of a shed, that is not a problem. If you need to lift cans onto a high shelf, a lighter plastic can is easier and safer to handle.

The Eagle can also lists OSHA and NFPA compliance, which suits workshops and workplaces. For a home shed, a CARB and EPA compliant plastic can is usually enough. The 6 gallon Midwest Can holds the most, but a full one is heavy, so choose a size you can carry comfortably.

Cans with self-closing lids, flame arrestors and spill-resistant spouts add protection during storage and pouring. See the gas can comparison for the full list.

Safe handling and routine checks

Storage is only part of the job. A few habits keep outdoor fuel safe over time:

• Fill cans outdoors, with the can on the ground rather than a truck bed or a trailer, and with the engine off and cool.
• Leave a little room at the top of the can for expansion.
• Wipe up drips right away and let fumes clear before putting the can away.
• Check cans every few weeks for bulging, cracks, rust, weeping seams or a damaged gasket.
• Label each can with the fuel type and the date you filled it, and never mix gasoline and diesel cans.
• Use older fuel first, and ask a local hazardous waste site how to dispose of fuel that is stale or contaminated.

Safety notes

Never smoke or use open flame near fuel. Do not run a generator, mower or other engine near cans, and let hot equipment cool before refueling.

Wear safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves when you pour. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for flammable liquids close to your storage area, and know how to use it.

Many towns limit how much fuel you can keep and how you must store it, so check your local fire code. If a can leaks, move away from ignition sources, ventilate the area and clean up with absorbent material. Do not pour fuel down a drain or onto the ground.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave a gas can in the sun for a short time?

Avoid it where you can. Even short periods in direct sun raise the temperature inside the can. Move it to shade as soon as you finish the job.

Is it okay to store gas cans in a locked outdoor box?

Yes, if the box is shaded and has ventilation so vapors do not collect inside. A sealed, airtight box with no air flow is a poor choice.

Does a metal can need different storage than a plastic can?

The rules are the same: cool, shaded, upright, sealed and away from ignition sources. Metal cans can rust over time, so keep them off wet ground and check the seams.

How long can gasoline sit in a can?

Gasoline loses quality as it ages, so buy and store only what you expect to use soon. A fuel stabilizer can help if you must keep fuel longer. Check the label for directions.