So the bike I'm working on, K75S named Orange (Marakesh Red), came with a 3/4 tank full of fuel that had been sitting for 10+ years. Now being slightly anal, I've not been sure what to do with this fuel. The online advisories say take it to a recycle center. But there are several issues with taking it to the local recycle. First it has to be in a state of California approved container. Second as they can't allow you to be exposed to hazardous materials, i.e. gasoline they can't return the opened container to you. There is a way for you to reclaim the container but they involve you marking the container as yours and returning after business hours to (Hopefully) reclaim the container.

But as I'm taking the back end of the bike apart I've been using some of the waste gasoline to clean the metal of old grease and road crap. Now when I finish cleaning with gasoline I still have residues left. And I've found that if I exposed the cleaning rags to the atmosphere it will evaporate. Now this possibly violates the hell out of a lot of environmental laws. But I'm a single individual and do this maybe every 10 years. Yeah I know how the numbers add up and I'm killing us all.

But my question is how effective do  you our more learned  members regard gasoline as a cleaning solvent? Any warnings other than the obvious of fire/explosions? Down sides to this?

California: where the Law of Unintended Consequences grows on trees.

Generally I use eco-friendly stuff as much as possible, but if something has to be absolutely squeaky clean then I reach for something really nasty - brake cleaner. I try to minimise my use because a) it's horrifically expensive and b) it ain't good for neither me nor thee. I bought 10 litres of it (2 x 5 litre cans) probably a decade ago and I still have half a can left. IIRC the ten litres cost me around £50 - a lot cheaper than the spray cans.

I drain any old fuel into a jerry can and maybe put half a gallon at a time back into the bike when I next fill up - mixes perfectly well and saves hassle of disposal.
Plus it's there for cleaning as well, but wash/wipe it off as it leaves as residue...

Use white spirit for the cleaning as it does not affect the seals like fuel does.  It should not leave any residue and does not attack painted surfaces.  It also does not stink like fuel and you need a respirator if using large quantities.  We don't have laws as strict as in CA.  

My old fuel I use as a weed killer and occasionally as a fire starter.  I stopped using it is as a cleaner years ago, especially on motorcycle O ring chains.  

I've nothing against looking after the environment but whatever you do, do not flush it down the drains.  Spread it on concrete and let it evaporate.  When I worked in the big sandpit the Arabs used to throw their waste petroleum products back onto the ground.  Their logic was that was where it came from, so what was the problem.  

Whatever you do, just don't get caught.  

TacKler wrote:Use white spirit for the cleaning
:
Whatever you do, just don't get caught.  

The English Language, what divides us. What do you mean by "white spirit"?
My first guess was moonshine!
J.

White Spirit is a cleaning agent and like most a petroleum based product.  A lot gentler than straight petrol and probably less volatile, etc.  PPE recommended like all those products.  

We used it for cleaning aircraft components and available in 1 Litre containers and upwards.  Here, I buy it in hardware or automotive stores.  

Moonshine or any other corn based distilled product might work but white spirit and orange juice will taste better.

TacKler wrote:White Spirit is a cleaning agent and like most a petroleum based product.  A lot gentler than straight petrol and probably less volatile, etc.  PPE recommended like all those products.  

We used it for cleaning aircraft components and available in 1 Litre containers and upwards.  Here, I buy it in hardware or automotive stores. 

I'd like to try it if it were available in North America. Is there a brand name associated with it?

No.  

Just local brand names here.  It should be in the cleaning section along with degreasers, etc.  Our work supplies came from Shell and Mobil.

Mineral turpentine is another name for it.

Alternatively search for it in Harbor Freight or similar as a brush cleaner for oil-based paints. Okay, as you're in CA, maybe that wasn't such a good suggestion

MartinW wrote:Mineral turpentine is another name for it.

I think you mean mineral spirit which appears to be the North American name for it.

TacKler wrote:

MartinW wrote:Mineral turpentine is another name for it.

I think you mean mineral spirit which appears to be the North American name for it.

Then I may even have some. Will check and try it. Another stray thought I've had is that as long as I've got it pulled apart why not paint it? Or at least the parts that are looking a bit rough. Strange that a machine that was stored inside for all those years would be have such a splotchy paint on the swing arm and rear drive.

I take my old fuel and filter it into a can through a paint filter.  Then I use it in my lawn mower or a put couple quarts at a time in my automobile. 

Gasoline has benzene and a bunch of other very nasty hydrocarbons that can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, not to mention how a single spark can totally ruin your day. 

I now do almost all of my parts cleaning with S100 motorcycle cleaner, Dawn dish detergent or white vinegar.  For really stubborn stuff I will use 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol or Shellac thinner.  Gotta be careful as the thinner is pretty flammable as is the rubbing alcohol.