Where does waste petrol come from at councils and public bodies?
In brief
Depot tanks, heating oil in schools and public buildings, abandoned fuel containers, and fuel from vehicle and plant fleets. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
Common problems with petrol at councils
Water in petrol: in E10 petrol the ethanol absorbs water up to a limit; beyond it, ethanol and water drop out together as a separate layer (phase separation), leaving petrol above it with a lower octane rating. Old petrol: old petrol loses octane and volatility and leaves gum and varnish in carburettors and injectors. Chemicals in petrol: chemicals can change the hazards of the whole load, damage engines and seals, and make the fuel impossible to recover.
Containers at councils
Depot tanks, heating oil tanks, drums and abandoned containers.
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.
- AdBlue
- A solution of urea in water (32.5% urea) used in the exhaust systems of many diesel vehicles. It belongs in its own tank; in fuel it is a contaminant.
| Sector | Councils and public bodies |
|---|---|
| Typical containers | Depot tanks, heating oil tanks, drums and abandoned containers. |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Also called | gasoline, motor spirit, unleaded |
| Waste code | 13 07 02* (petrol) |
Related questions
- How does a council or public body dispose of waste petrol?
- What rules apply to councils and public bodies storing petrol?
- Who collects waste petrol from councils and public bodies?
- How often should a council or public body have waste petrol collected?
- What should a council or public body do with petrol contaminated with water?
- What should a council or public body do with stale petrol?
- What should a council or public body do with petrol contaminated with chemicals?
Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.