Everyday choices can make a measurable difference for Utah’s air quality, even something as simple as replacing an old gas can.

That’s why we continue to host our popular Gas Can Exchange Program, giving Utahns the opportunity to swap old, leaky gas cans for cleaner, EPA-compliant alternatives — free of charge.

Older gas cans are a large source of harmful emissions and can leak up to 1,400 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every year. VOCs are one of the major contributors to Utah’s summertime ozone pollution and poor air quality along the Wasatch Front.

Why Old Gas Cans Are a Problem

Gas cans manufactured before EPA standards changed in 2009 allow gasoline vapors to escape into the air in several ways:

• Vapors permeate through thinner container walls
• Fuel fumes escape during pouring
• Secondary vent holes leak emissions
• Spills and overfilling release gasoline into the air and onto surfaces
• Poorly sealed caps allow continuous evaporation

 

Before the EPA updated standards, gas cans emitted approximately 1.5 grams of VOCs per gallon per day. Modern EPA-compliant containers reduced that limit to 0.38 grams, that’s a reduction of roughly 75%.

The newer SureCan containers distributed at UCAIR exchanges are designed specifically to reduce emissions and spills. Features like automatic shutoff valves, thicker walls, sealed spouts, and controlled venting systems help keep gasoline vapors contained instead of escaping into Utah’s air.

Important Tips for Safer, Cleaner Fuel Handling

Whether you attend a Gas Can Exchange event or simply want to reduce emissions at home, these practices can help:

1. Never Dispose of Gasoline Improperly

Never pour gasoline:

• Onto the ground
• Into storm drains or sewers
• Into waterways
• Into household trash

Instead, take old fuel to a local Household Hazardous Waste Facility or safely use good-condition gasoline in approved equipment.

2. Store Gas Cans Properly

Keep gasoline containers:

• Tightly sealed
• In a cool, shaded area
• Away from ignition sources
• Out of direct sunlight whenever possible

Heat increases evaporation and VOC emissions, and can be dangerous, too.

3. Fuel During Cooler Hours

Refueling early in the morning or later in the evening helps reduce ozone formation because fewer emissions react in peak daytime heat.

4. Avoid Topping Off

Overfilling tanks leads to spills and excess vapor release. Modern EPA-compliant cans are designed to help prevent this.

5. Replace Old Gas Cans

It’s time for an upgrade if your gas can has:

• A secondary vent hole
• Cracked seals
• Loose caps
• Thin plastic walls
• Frequent spills or leaks

 

Cleaner Fuel Matters Too: The Benefits of Tier 3 Gasoline

Replacing old gas cans is one important step, but cleaner gasoline itself also plays a major role in improving Utah’s air quality.

Utah has increasingly transitioned to cleaner-burning Tier 3 gasoline, a fuel standard introduced by the EPA to reduce harmful vehicle emissions. Tier 3 gasoline contains significantly lower sulfur levels, allowing equipment and vehicles to work more efficiently and dramatically reducing pollution from cars and trucks.

Why Tier 3 Fuel Is Better for the Air

Tier 3 gasoline helps reduce:

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Smog-forming emissions
• Fine particulate pollution

When used in 2017-and-newer vehicles, Tier 3 fuels can reduce tailpipe emissions by up to 80%. Even older vehicles see emission reductions when using cleaner fuel.

Transportation remains the largest contributor to emissions along the Wasatch Front, especially during winter inversions and summer ozone season. Lower-sulfur fuels help improve air quality without requiring drivers to change vehicles or driving habits.

Another benefit? Drivers typically don’t need to pay more or do anything differently. Tier 3 fuels are used just like conventional gasoline and are increasingly available throughout Utah.

Small Actions Add Up

Utah’s air quality challenges won’t be solved by one program alone, but community participation makes a real difference.

Programs like the UCAIR Gas Can Exchange remove thousands of high-emission gas cans from circulation, while cleaner fuels like Tier 3 gasoline help reduce emissions from the vehicles we drive every day.

Together, these changes help create cleaner air, healthier communities, and a better future for Utah.

To learn more about upcoming exchange events, visit UCAIR’s Gas Can Exchange page.

The UCAIR Gas Can Exchange is made possible by the generous support of Rio Tinto Kennecott and Chevron.