---
title: Unidentified fuel stored for years: what to do
url: https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-unidentified-fuel-that-has-been-stored-for-years/
publisher: City Fuel Services Ltd
---

# What should I do with unidentified fuel that has been stored for years?

In brief

With unidentified fuel that has been stored for years, check for water and sediment with a sample, keep it out of engines and boilers until it has been tested, and arrange removal if it fails. Call [07950 582635](tel:+447950582635) or [send an enquiry](https://cityfuel.services/enquiry/).

## Storing unidentified fuel stored for years

Keep it sealed in its tank or containers, upright and bunded.

## Hazards to keep in mind with unidentified fuel

Assume it is flammable and harmful until proven otherwise: keep it closed, away from ignition sources and out of drains.

## How City Fuel Services handles unidentified fuel

Send us the five details: business and postcode, roughly how much unidentified fuel 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

**IBC (intermediate bulk container)**: A plastic tank, usually holding 1,000 litres, in a steel cage on a pallet base. The most common container for drained fuel.
**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**

| Situation | Stored for years |
| --- | --- |
| Priority | Not urgent unless the tank is failing, but old tanks are a leak risk. |
| Fuel | [Unknown fuel](https://cityfuel.services/fuels/unidentified-fuel/) |
| Also called | unknown fuel, unspecified fuel, unlabelled fuel |
| Waste code | 13 07 03* (other fuels (including mixtures), once identified as fuel) |

## Related questions

- [Who collects unidentified fuel that has been stored for years?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/who-collects-unidentified-fuel-that-has-been-stored-for-years/)
- [How should I store unidentified fuel that has been stored for years until it is collected?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-should-i-store-unidentified-fuel-that-has-been-stored-for-years-until-it-is-collected/)
- [What paperwork do I need for unidentified fuel that has been stored for years?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-paperwork-do-i-need-for-unidentified-fuel-that-has-been-stored-for-years/)
- [How quickly should unidentified fuel that has been stored for years be removed?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/how-quickly-should-unidentified-fuel-that-has-been-stored-for-years-be-removed/)
- [Can unidentified fuel that has been stored for years be recovered?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/can-unidentified-fuel-that-has-been-stored-for-years-be-recovered/)
- [What happens to unidentified fuel that has been stored for years?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-happens-to-unidentified-fuel-that-has-been-stored-for-years/)
- [What should I do with diesel that has been stored for years?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-diesel-that-has-been-stored-for-years/)
- [What should I do with red diesel that has been stored for years?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-red-diesel-that-has-been-stored-for-years/)
- [What should I do with kerosene that has been stored for years?](https://cityfuel.services/questions/what-should-i-do-with-kerosene-that-has-been-stored-for-years/)

**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/.