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

# How does oil get into kerosene?

In brief

Engine, gearbox or hydraulic oil gets into fuel when containers are shared during depollution or servicing, when waste oil is poured into fuel drums, or through leaks in machinery. Each of these is worth checking if you have found oil in kerosene. Call [07950 582635](tel:+447950582635) or [send an enquiry](https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/).

## How to spot oil in kerosene

Darker, thicker fuel that clings to the sides of a sample jar and leaves an oily film. Laboratories measure viscosity and ash content.

## Preventing oil in kerosene

Keep separate containers for fuel and oil and never pour waste oil into fuel drums. The hazardous waste rules generally forbid mixing different types of waste.

## How City Fuel Services handles waste kerosene

City Fuel Services buys, collects and handles waste kerosene for businesses, public bodies, farms and households. Describe the load and we come back with terms before booking the collection.

## 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 | Oil in Kerosene |
| --- | --- |
| Recoverable? | Usually yes, if the oil content is small; it is recovered into heavier fuel blends. |
| 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

- [How do you remove oil from kerosene?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-do-you-remove-oil-from-kerosene/)
- [How do you stop oil getting into kerosene?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-do-you-stop-oil-getting-into-kerosene/)
- [Is kerosene contaminated with oil hazardous waste?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/is-kerosene-contaminated-with-oil-hazardous-waste/)
- [Who collects kerosene contaminated with oil?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/who-collects-kerosene-contaminated-with-oil/)
- [Can you still use kerosene with oil in it?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/can-you-still-use-kerosene-with-oil-in-it/)
- [What happens to oil-contaminated kerosene after collection?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-happens-to-oil-contaminated-kerosene-after-collection/)
- [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/.