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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 or send an 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
SituationStored for years
PriorityNot urgent unless the tank is failing, but old tanks are a leak risk.
FuelUnknown fuel
Also calledunknown fuel, unspecified fuel, unlabelled fuel
Waste code13 07 03* (other fuels (including mixtures), once identified as fuel)

Related questions

Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.

Holding waste fuel? Tell us what you have.

Business and postcode, quantity, fuel and contamination, storage and access, one-off or recurring. We assess it and confirm a rebate or a collection charge before anything is booked.