---
title: How do chemicals get into kerosene?
url: https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-do-chemicals-get-into-kerosene/
publisher: City Fuel Services Ltd
---

# How do chemicals get into kerosene?

In brief

Solvents, thinners, cleaning chemicals and unknown liquids end up in fuel when containers are reused, when waste is poured into the nearest drum, and through deliberate tampering. Each of these is worth checking if you have found chemicals in kerosene. Call [07950 582635](tel:+447950582635) or [send an enquiry](https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/).

## How to spot chemicals in kerosene

An unusual smell or colour, layers that do not behave like water, or reactions such as heat or fizzing. If you suspect it, keep the container closed and tell us what may have gone in.

## Preventing chemicals in kerosene

Never reuse fuel containers for other liquids or pour anything else into a fuel drum, and keep fuel stores locked.

## How City Fuel Services handles waste kerosene

Send us the five details: business and postcode, roughly how much waste kerosene there is, what it is and any contamination, how it is stored and reached, and whether you need one collection or regular ones. We assess it, confirm a rebate or a collection charge, and collect 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.
**Mixed fuel**: Petrol and diesel that have ended up in the same container, usually when vehicles are drained during depollution.

**Key facts**

| Problem | Chemicals and solvents in Kerosene |
| --- | --- |
| Recoverable? | Often not. |
| Fuel | [Kerosene](https://cityfuel.services/fuels/kerosene/) |
| Also called | heating oil, burning oil, 28-second oil |
| Waste code | 13 07 03* (other fuels (including mixtures)) |

## Related questions

- [What happens to chemically contaminated kerosene after collection?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-happens-to-chemically-contaminated-kerosene-after-collection/)
- [What happens if chemicals get into kerosene?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-happens-if-chemicals-get-into-kerosene/)
- [How can you tell if kerosene has chemicals in it?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-can-you-tell-if-kerosene-has-chemicals-in-it/)
- [Can kerosene contaminated with chemicals be recovered?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/can-kerosene-contaminated-with-chemicals-be-recovered/)
- [Is kerosene contaminated with chemicals worth anything?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/is-kerosene-contaminated-with-chemicals-worth-anything/)
- [What should I do with kerosene contaminated with chemicals?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-kerosene-contaminated-with-chemicals/)
- [How does water get into kerosene?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-does-water-get-into-kerosene/)
- [How does diesel bug get into kerosene?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-does-diesel-bug-get-into-kerosene/)
- [How does petrol get into kerosene?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-does-petrol-get-into-kerosene/)

## 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](https://www.gov.uk/dispose-hazardous-waste).

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City Fuel Services Ltd, Fairfield Road, Droylsden, Manchester M43 6AX. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry at https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/.