---
title: Sediment in petrol at filling stations: what to do
url: https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-filling-station-do-with-petrol-contaminated-with-sediment/
publisher: City Fuel Services Ltd
---

# What should a filling station do with petrol contaminated with sediment?

In brief

For a filling station, sediment in petrol means stopping use of that fuel straight away, keeping it away from drains, and arranging an assessment and collection. Sediment blocks filters and wears pumps, injectors and nozzles, and it gives microbes somewhere to settle and grow. Call [07950 582635](tel:+447950582635) or [send an enquiry](https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/).

## Sediment in petrol at filling stations

At filling stations, forecourt crossovers, water in underground tanks, tank cleaning residues, fuel drained from customers' misfuelled vehicles, and fuel left when tanks are decommissioned. 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 filling stations

Underground storage tanks, interceptors, and drums from tank cleaning. As needed after incidents, and planned around tank cleaning and maintenance.

## Rules at filling stations

Filling stations storing petrol need a petroleum storage certificate from the petroleum enforcement authority, and follow DSEAR and the industry's filling station guidance, known as the Blue Book.

## Is petrol contaminated with sediment still worth collecting?

Yes.

## How City Fuel Services handles waste petrol

Every load of waste petrol 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

**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 | Filling stations |
| Fuel | [Petrol](https://cityfuel.services/fuels/unleaded-petrol/) |
| Also called | gasoline, motor spirit, unleaded |
| Waste code | 13 07 02* (petrol) |

## Related questions

- [What should I do with petrol contaminated with sediment?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-petrol-contaminated-with-sediment/)
- [How does a filling station dispose of waste petrol?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-does-a-filling-station-dispose-of-waste-petrol/)
- [What happens if sediment builds up in petrol?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-happens-if-sediment-builds-up-in-petrol/)
- [What should a filling station do with petrol contaminated with water?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-filling-station-do-with-petrol-contaminated-with-water/)
- [What should a filling station do with phase-separated petrol?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-filling-station-do-with-phase-separated-petrol/)
- [What should a filling station do with petrol contaminated with diesel?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-filling-station-do-with-petrol-contaminated-with-diesel/)

**Official guidance:** [GOV.UK: hazardous waste](https://www.gov.uk/dispose-hazardous-waste).

---
City Fuel Services Ltd, Fairfield Road, Droylsden, Manchester M43 6AX. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry at https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/.