---
title: What happens to kerosene recovered from a spill clean-up?
url: https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-happens-to-kerosene-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up/
publisher: City Fuel Services Ltd
---

# What happens to kerosene recovered from a spill clean-up?

In brief

Fuel pumped or skimmed up after a spill is often mixed with water, soil, absorbents or debris. Once collected, waste kerosene is tested, dewatered and filtered, then recovered into fuel use or refinery feedstock. Call [07950 582635](tel:+447950582635) or [send an enquiry](https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/).

## Testing kerosene after collection

A clear jar sample shows water, haze and sediment. Aviation fuel is checked for water before flight with water-detector capsules or paste; laboratories test flash point, density and freezing point.

## Kerosene from a spill clean-up: what to do first

Keep recovered liquid separate from used absorbents and soil, in closed containers, and record what was spilled and where. Closed, labelled containers in a bunded area; absorbents in sealed bags or drums.

## How City Fuel Services handles waste kerosene

Every load of waste kerosene 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

**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.
**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.

**Key facts**

| Situation | From a spill clean-up |
| --- | --- |
| Priority | Promptly, so the spill does not spread or recur. |
| Fuel | [Kerosene](https://cityfuel.services/fuels/kerosene/) |
| Also called | heating oil, burning oil, 28-second oil |
| Waste code | 13 07 03* (other fuels (including mixtures)) |

## Related questions

- [What should I do with kerosene recovered from a spill clean-up?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-kerosene-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up/)
- [Who collects kerosene recovered from a spill clean-up?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/who-collects-kerosene-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up/)
- [How should I store kerosene recovered from a spill clean-up until it is collected?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-should-i-store-kerosene-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up-until-it-is-collected/)
- [What paperwork do I need for kerosene recovered from a spill clean-up?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-paperwork-do-i-need-for-kerosene-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up/)
- [How quickly should kerosene recovered from a spill clean-up be removed?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-quickly-should-kerosene-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up-be-removed/)
- [Can kerosene recovered from a spill clean-up be recovered?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/can-kerosene-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up-be-recovered/)
- [What should I do with diesel recovered from a spill clean-up?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-diesel-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up/)
- [What should I do with red diesel recovered from a spill clean-up?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-red-diesel-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up/)
- [What should I do with petrol recovered from a spill clean-up?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-petrol-recovered-from-a-spill-clean-up/)

**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/.