---
title: Diesel left after a site closure: how quickly to act
url: https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-quickly-should-diesel-left-after-a-site-closure-be-removed/
publisher: City Fuel Services Ltd
---

# How quickly should diesel left after a site closure be removed?

In brief

Book early, because handover deadlines are usually fixed. When a depot, farm, yard or business closes or changes hands, fuel left in tanks and drums has to be dealt with before handover. Call [07950 582635](tel:+447950582635) or [send an enquiry](https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/).

## Why diesel left after a site closure should not wait

Typical safety data sheets class diesel as a flammable liquid that is harmful if swallowed and enters the airways, irritating to skin, suspected of causing cancer and toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

## What happens to diesel left too long

Over time diesel oxidises and darkens, gums and sediment form, and water gathers at the bottom of the tank where diesel bug can grow. Old diesel can still be recovered even when it is no longer fit for an engine.

## How City Fuel Services handles waste diesel

Every load of waste diesel 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

**Uplift**: The fuel trade's word for a collection: pumping fuel out of a tank or container and taking it away.
**DSEAR**: The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. They require employers to assess and control fire and explosion risks from substances such as petrol.

**Key facts**

| Situation | Left after a site closure |
| --- | --- |
| Priority | Book early, because handover deadlines are usually fixed. |
| Fuel | [Diesel](https://cityfuel.services/fuels/diesel/) |
| Also called | DERV (diesel engine road vehicle), road diesel, white diesel |
| Waste code | 13 07 01* (fuel oil and diesel) |

## Related questions

- [What should I do with diesel left after a site closure?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-diesel-left-after-a-site-closure/)
- [Who collects diesel left after a site closure?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/who-collects-diesel-left-after-a-site-closure/)
- [How should I store diesel left after a site closure until it is collected?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-should-i-store-diesel-left-after-a-site-closure-until-it-is-collected/)
- [What paperwork do I need for diesel left after a site closure?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-paperwork-do-i-need-for-diesel-left-after-a-site-closure/)
- [Can diesel left after a site closure be recovered?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/can-diesel-left-after-a-site-closure-be-recovered/)
- [What happens to diesel left after a site closure?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-happens-to-diesel-left-after-a-site-closure/)
- [What should I do with red diesel left after a site closure?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-red-diesel-left-after-a-site-closure/)
- [What should I do with kerosene left after a site closure?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-kerosene-left-after-a-site-closure/)
- [What should I do with petrol left after a site closure?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-petrol-left-after-a-site-closure/)

**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/.