Many environmental agencies are recommending that homeowners buy spill-proof gas cans to transport gas from the gas stations to their homes for fueling their lawn mowers and for other gas needs. These fuel containers are better for the environment and for your health and safety. Some of the differences between the spill-proof cans and the old gas cans are the material the cans are made of, the design and look with the long nozzle, and the spill-proof features. New gas cans are made of a plastic material that does not allow volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to evaporate into the air as the old-fashioned plastic ones do. The long nozzle helps with the no-spill feature, and the new cans also have childproof safety features built in, unlike the old cans. To get rid of your old can, you can empty the can completely of any gas and throw it out with household trash in most states. Some cities and towns have a hazardous waste day, so it is better to throw old fuel containers out on that day if possible.
Spill-proof gas cans have automatic features that allow these gas cans to get the gas where you need it to go and not on the ground where it can cause pollution and health problems. These new fuel containers have an automatic feature that shuts off the gas flow before you overfill a gas tank. They also remain sealed unless gas is being dispensed out of them. When you remove the gas can from the tank, it automatically seals. In many of the models, a valve inside the nozzle controls the shut-off feature. To dispense gas from the gas can, you have to push in the nozzle to allow gas flow or the valve will keep the gas from coming out. The childproof safety caps work much like childproof medicine caps. You have to push in the sides and twist to remove the cap and fill the gas can with fuel. Some of the spill-proof gas cans do not come with operating instructions, so you can call the company or look online for instructions if you are not familiar with using no-spill gas cans.
Spill-proof gas cans have many advantages over the old fuel containers. One of the benefits is helping the environment. When gas spills on the ground, it can often soak into the earth and pollute the water supply. Since the new gas cans are made of a material that does not allow the VOCs to evaporate into the air, this also cuts down on air pollution. With the high price of gas, no-spill gas cans are becoming more popular because people want to save money on gas by avoiding spills and evaporation. Improved family health is also an advantage. With spill-proof gas cans, your family will breathe less toxic vapors. In most states, if you are going to replace an old gas can, you will only be able to purchase a spill-proof fuel container because it is the only one available in stores.
