How can you tell if kerosene has diesel in it?
In brief
A heavier, oily smell, darker or cloudier fuel, and a higher density than expected. Petrol engines running on it smoke heavily and misfire. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
What diesel in kerosene does
Diesel in kerosene burns dirtier: boilers built for kerosene soot up, smoke and lock out.
If you find diesel in kerosene
Stop using the fuel, keep it in a closed container away from drains and ignition sources, and note roughly how much there is. Yes, as mixed fuel, by reprocessing.
How City Fuel Services handles waste kerosene
Every load of waste kerosene is assessed before anything is booked. Tell us the quantity, the containers and any contamination; we confirm the terms, collect with a suitable vehicle, and take it to a permitted facility on a consignment note.
Terms used in this answer
- Diesel bug
- Bacteria and fungi that grow where water meets diesel in a tank. They form slime and sludge that block filters.
- Flash point
- The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to catch light. Petrol's is around minus 40 °C; diesel's is above 55 °C.
| Problem | Diesel in Kerosene |
|---|---|
| Recoverable? | Yes, as mixed fuel, by reprocessing. |
| Fuel | Kerosene |
| Also called | heating oil, burning oil, 28-second oil |
| Waste code | 13 07 03* (other fuels (including mixtures)) |
Related questions
- Is kerosene contaminated with diesel hazardous waste?
- Who collects kerosene contaminated with diesel?
- Can you still use kerosene with diesel in it?
- What happens to diesel-contaminated kerosene after collection?
- What happens if diesel gets into kerosene?
- Can kerosene contaminated with diesel be recovered?
- How can you tell if kerosene has water in it?
- How can you tell if kerosene has diesel bug?
- How can you tell if kerosene has petrol in it?
Kerosene in brief
Kerosene is a light middle distillate, lighter than diesel, used mainly as heating oil (often called 28-second oil or burning oil) and, in a tightly specified form, as jet fuel (Jet A-1, also called Avtur). Clean, dry kerosene recovers well.
Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.