What are the rules for waste red diesel in Scotland?
In brief
In Scotland, waste red diesel is special waste. In Scotland, SEPA regulates special waste. Every load moves on a special waste consignment note with a SEPA-issued code, wherever in the UK it is going, copies are kept for three years, and permitted receiving sites join Digital Waste Tracking from January 2027. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
Storing red diesel in Scotland
Fuel storage in Scotland falls under the Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 for most businesses: bunded tanks holding at least 110% of the largest container, away from drains and watercourses.
How the rules apply to red diesel
Rebated gas oil may only be used for allowed purposes; putting it into a vehicle or machine that is not entitled is illegal, and HMRC can seize the fuel and the vehicle. Usable surplus can be sold or given to an entitled user or to a Registered Dealer in Controlled Oil (RDCO). Fuel that has become waste goes for collection as hazardous waste.
Red diesel in practice
Since 1 April 2022 many businesses have been left holding red diesel they can no longer use. Usable fuel can go to an entitled user or an RDCO; contaminated or unusable fuel is waste.
How City Fuel Services handles waste red diesel
Send us the five details: business and postcode, roughly how much waste red diesel there is, what it is and any contamination, how it is stored and reached, and whether you need one collection or regular ones. We assess it, confirm a rebate or a collection charge, and collect on a consignment note.
Terms used in this answer
- Special waste
- The term used in Scotland for hazardous waste. It moves on a special waste consignment note with a code issued by SEPA.
- Hazardous waste
- Waste with properties that can harm people or the environment, such as being flammable. Drained fuel is hazardous waste.
| Nation | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Scottish Environment Protection Agency |
| Fuel | Red diesel |
| Also called | gas oil, rebated diesel, marked gas oil |
| Waste code | 13 07 01* (fuel oil and diesel) |
Related questions
- What paperwork do you need to move waste red diesel in Scotland?
- Who regulates waste red diesel in Scotland?
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- What are the rules for waste red diesel in Wales?
Official guidance: SEPA: special waste.