What happens to red diesel delivered into the wrong tank?

In brief

A forecourt crossover or misdelivery puts one fuel into a tank meant for another, for example petrol into a diesel tank. Once collected, waste gas oil is tested, dewatered and filtered like diesel, then recovered into fuel use or refinery feedstock. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.

Testing red diesel after collection

A clear jar sample shows water and sediment; red colour confirms marked fuel. Laboratory tests measure water, flash point and microbial contamination, and HMRC can test for the markers.

Red diesel delivered into the wrong tank: what to do first

Stop dispensing from the affected tank at once, isolate it, tell the supplier, and have the mixed fuel pumped out before the tank is flushed and refilled. Leave it in the isolated tank, with dispensing switched off, until it is uplifted.

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

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	Delivered into the wrong tank
Priority	Urgent: every sale from the tank risks damaging a customer's vehicle.
Fuel	Red diesel
Also called	gas oil, rebated diesel, marked gas oil
Waste code	13 07 01* (fuel oil and diesel)