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 or send an 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
Also called	gas oil, rebated diesel, marked gas oil
Waste code	13 07 01* (fuel oil and diesel)