What happens to diesel that has been stored for years?

In brief

Fuel kept far beyond its shelf life, in tanks, drums or cans that have not been turned over. Once collected, collected diesel is tested, water and sediment are settled out, and the fuel is filtered. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.

Testing diesel after collection

A sample in a clear jar shows water, haze and sediment; water-finding paste on a dipstick shows free water at the bottom of a tank. Laboratory tests measure flash point, density, water content and microbial contamination.

Diesel stored for years: what to do first

Check for water and sediment with a sample, keep it out of engines and boilers until it has been tested, and arrange removal if it fails. Keep it sealed in its tank or containers, upright and bunded.

How City Fuel Services handles waste diesel

City Fuel Services buys, collects and handles waste 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

Consignment note: The document that travels with hazardous waste from the producer to the receiving site. Each person in the chain completes and signs their part.
Digital Waste Tracking: The government's online service for recording waste movements. Permitted sites receiving waste in England and Wales have had to use it since 1 October 2026.

Key facts
Situation	Stored for years
Priority	Not urgent unless the tank is failing, but old tanks are a leak risk.
Fuel	Diesel
Also called	DERV (diesel engine road vehicle), road diesel, white diesel
Waste code	13 07 01* (fuel oil and diesel)