What are the rules for waste red diesel in Wales?
In brief
In Wales, waste red diesel is hazardous waste. In Wales, Natural Resources Wales regulates hazardous waste. Sites producing or storing more than 500 kg of hazardous waste a year must register with NRW, every load moves on a consignment note kept for three years, and since 1 October 2026 permitted receiving sites report through Digital Waste Tracking. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
Storing red diesel in Wales
Fuel storage in Wales falls under the Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Oil Storage) (Wales) Regulations 2016 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
City Fuel Services buys, collects and handles waste red diesel for businesses, public bodies, farms and households. Describe the load and we come back with terms before booking the collection.
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 | Wales |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Natural Resources Wales |
| 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 Wales?
- Who regulates waste red diesel in Wales?
- Can City Fuel Services collect waste red diesel in Wales?
- What are the rules for waste red diesel in England?
- What are the rules for waste red diesel in Scotland?
Official guidance: Natural Resources Wales: completing a hazardous waste consignment note.