---
title: Diesel bug in kerosene at tank contractors: what to do
url: https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-tank-installer-or-decommissioning-contractor-do-with-kerosene-contaminated-with-diesel-bug/
publisher: City Fuel Services Ltd
---

# What should a tank installer or decommissioning contractor do with kerosene contaminated with diesel bug?

In brief

If a tank installer or decommissioning contractor discovers diesel bug in kerosene, the first steps are to stop drawing fuel from that tank, keep the contamination contained, and get the load assessed. In kerosene the same growth blocks boiler nozzles and filters and causes lockouts; in jet fuel it is a recognised flight-safety risk, so aviation tanks are tested for it. Call [07950 582635](tel:+447950582635) or [send an enquiry](https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/).

## Diesel bug in kerosene at tank contractors

At tank contractors, fuel and sludge left in tanks being replaced, cleaned or decommissioned. Diesel bug is a growth of bacteria, yeasts and moulds that live where fuel meets water.

## Collecting kerosene contaminated with diesel bug from tank contractors

Customer tanks of every size. Job by job.

## Rules at tank contractors

Tanks must be emptied, cleaned and made safe before removal, and the customer is usually the waste producer.

## Is kerosene contaminated with diesel bug still worth collecting?

Often partly.

## How City Fuel Services handles waste kerosene

Send us the five details: business and postcode, roughly how much waste kerosene 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 | Diesel bug in Kerosene |
| --- | --- |
| Sector | Tank installers and decommissioning contractors |
| 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 contaminated with diesel bug?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-kerosene-contaminated-with-diesel-bug/)
- [How does a tank installer or decommissioning contractor dispose of waste kerosene?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-does-a-tank-installer-or-decommissioning-contractor-dispose-of-waste-kerosene/)
- [What happens if diesel bug grows in kerosene?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-happens-if-diesel-bug-grows-in-kerosene/)
- [What should a tank installer or decommissioning contractor do with kerosene contaminated with water?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-tank-installer-or-decommissioning-contractor-do-with-kerosene-contaminated-with-water/)
- [What should a tank installer or decommissioning contractor do with kerosene contaminated with sediment?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-tank-installer-or-decommissioning-contractor-do-with-kerosene-contaminated-with-sediment/)
- [What should a tank installer or decommissioning contractor do with kerosene tank sludge?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-a-tank-installer-or-decommissioning-contractor-do-with-kerosene-tank-sludge/)

**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/.