---
title: Red diesel from a boat or marina tank: how quickly to act
url: https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-quickly-should-red-diesel-from-a-boat-or-marina-tank-be-removed/
publisher: City Fuel Services Ltd
---

# How quickly should red diesel from a boat or marina tank be removed?

In brief

Before the boat is next used: contaminated fuel is a common cause of engine failure on the water. Boat and marina tanks breathe damp air and sit unused for months, so water, diesel bug and phase separation are common. Call [07950 582635](tel:+447950582635) or [send an enquiry](https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/).

## Why red diesel from a boat or marina tank should not wait

Typical safety data sheets class gas oil like diesel: a flammable liquid that is harmful if swallowed and enters the airways, irritating to skin, suspected of causing cancer and toxic to aquatic life.

## What happens to red diesel left too long

Like diesel, stored gas oil slowly oxidises, collects water and sediment, and can grow diesel bug, especially in tanks that sit part-full for long periods, such as standby generators.

## How City Fuel Services handles waste red diesel

We collect waste red diesel from cans and drums up to bulk tanks, across England, Wales and mainland Scotland, from our licensed site in Droylsden, Manchester. Terms, a rebate or a charge, are agreed before collection.

## Terms used in this answer

**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.
**Uplift**: The fuel trade's word for a collection: pumping fuel out of a tank or container and taking it away.

**Key facts**

| Situation | From a boat or marina tank |
| --- | --- |
| Priority | Before the boat is next used: contaminated fuel is a common cause of engine failure on the water. |
| Fuel | [Red diesel](https://cityfuel.services/fuels/red-diesel/) |
| Also called | gas oil, rebated diesel, marked gas oil |
| Waste code | 13 07 01* (fuel oil and diesel) |

## Related questions

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

**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/.