What should I do with water-contaminated red diesel from a leaking tank?
In brief
With water-contaminated red diesel from a leaking tank, contain the leak if it is safe, keep it out of drains and watercourses, report pollution, and have the remaining fuel pumped out quickly so the tank can be repaired or replaced. Usually yes. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
What water in red diesel means here
Water is where most diesel problems start. It corrodes tanks and injection equipment, freezes in winter, and gives diesel bug a place to grow at the boundary between fuel and water. The biodiesel in modern diesel holds more dissolved water than pure mineral diesel, so it is more prone to it. Corroded, damaged or old tanks can weep fuel from seams, pipework and fittings, or lose it into the ground.
Storing it until collection
Transfer the fuel into a sound tank or fuel-grade containers in a bund; never leave fuel in a leaking tank. The fuel itself usually keeps its value; contaminated soil and absorbents are a separate waste.
Preventing water in red diesel next time
Keep fill caps, vents and hatches sound, check for water regularly with paste or a sample, drain water off promptly, and keep tanks reasonably full to limit condensation.
How City Fuel Services handles waste red diesel
Every load of waste red diesel 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
- Uplift
- The fuel trade's word for a collection: pumping fuel out of a tank or container and taking it away.
- Consignment note
- The document that travels with hazardous waste from the producer to the receiving site. Each person in the chain completes and signs their part.
| Problem | Water in Red diesel |
|---|---|
| Situation | From a leaking tank |
| Priority | Urgent: every hour of leaking adds to the clean-up. |
| Fuel | Red diesel |
| Also called | gas oil, rebated diesel, marked gas oil |
Related questions
- What should I do with red diesel contaminated with water?
- What should I do with red diesel from a leaking tank?
- How can you tell if red diesel has water in it?
- What paperwork do I need for red diesel from a leaking tank?
Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.