Other Safety Information about Containers Approved Containers. Federal, state, and local regulations make it unlawful to dispense gasoline into unapproved or improperly labeled containers. To be approved, a container must be predominantly red in color and must be able to hold gasoline securely without risk of leaking or breaking. Glass containers are not approved for transporting or storing gasoline. The container also must bear a warning label about the dangers of gasoline.
Approved containers made of metal or plastic are available at hardware and automotive supply stores.
A container with acceptable strength and durability can be made from either metal or plastic when properly designed and manufactured. Metal containers, when grounded, provide the greatest protection against fires caused by static electricity. Plastic containers will not rust or corrode when gasoline is stored in them for a long time. ASTM F 852 - Standard Specification for Portable Gasoline Containers for Consumer Use. UL 30 - Metal portable gasoline safety containers 5 .