---
title: How quickly should unidentified fuel left after a site…
url: https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-quickly-should-unidentified-fuel-left-after-a-site-closure-be-removed/
publisher: City Fuel Services Ltd
---

# How quickly should unidentified fuel 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 unidentified fuel left after a site closure should not wait

Assume it is flammable and harmful until proven otherwise: keep it closed, away from ignition sources and out of drains.

## What happens to unidentified fuel left too long

Once identified, it follows the route of whatever it turns out to be: recovery for fuel, treatment or disposal for anything that is not.

## How City Fuel Services handles unidentified fuel

Every load of unidentified fuel 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 | [Unknown fuel](https://cityfuel.services/fuels/unidentified-fuel/) |
| Also called | unknown fuel, unspecified fuel, unlabelled fuel |
| Waste code | 13 07 03* (other fuels (including mixtures), once identified as fuel) |

## Related questions

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

**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/.