What should a farm do with petrol contaminated with sediment?

In brief

A farm that finds sediment in petrol should stop using the fuel, keep it contained and away from drains, and have it assessed for collection. Sediment blocks filters and wears pumps, injectors and nozzles, and it gives microbes somewhere to settle and grow. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.

Sediment in petrol at farms

At farms, old red diesel, watered or bug-contaminated fuel in farm tanks, heating oil, and fuel left in machinery being sold. Rust and scale from steel tanks, dust and grit through open fill points and vents, and degraded fuel all settle to the bottom of tanks over time.

Collecting petrol contaminated with sediment from farms

Farm fuel tanks, bowsers and drums. Often once or twice a year, or when a tank is replaced.

Rules at farms

Agriculture keeps its red diesel entitlement. In England, agricultural fuel oil stores fall under the SSAFO regulations; Wales and Scotland have their own rules.

Is petrol contaminated with sediment still worth collecting?

Yes.

How City Fuel Services handles waste petrol

Send us the five details: business and postcode, roughly how much waste petrol 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

Diesel bug: Bacteria and fungi that grow where water meets diesel in a tank. They form slime and sludge that block filters.
Bund: A wall, tray or outer case around a fuel container that holds any leak. For oil and fuel stored at a business, bunds for tanks, bowsers and IBCs are sized at 110% of the container.

Key facts
Problem	Sediment in Petrol
Sector	Farms
Fuel	Petrol
Also called	gasoline, motor spirit, unleaded
Waste code	13 07 02* (petrol)