If you have an abandoned oil tank on your property, it may contain old heating oil that you need to dispose of. Disposing of oil can be a tricky task as it’s classified as a hazardous material. Therefore, it should always be handled by professionals to avoid unwelcome consequences.
Let’s take a look at how to remove domestic heating oil safely and answer some common questions about this topic.
How to dispose of heating oil in the UK
The easiest way to dispose of home heating oil is by seeking help from a professional fuel removal service. These companies specialise in hazardous waste treatment and will discard oil left in your tank safely and responsibly.
When looking for a heating oil removal service in the UK, it’s important to:
- Research local companies that offer heating oil disposal services. You can search online or in local directories to find companies in your area. Your local council’s waste disposal department should also be able to offer advice and even recommend a removal service.
- Check the company’s credentials and make sure they are licensed to handle and dispose of hazardous waste. You can take a look at the Environment Agency’s public register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers to see if the company is licensed.
- Contact the company and provide them with details about your situation, such as the amount of oil you need removed and the location of the tank.
- Ask for a quote for the fuel removal service and compare prices from different companies to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
Once you’ve chosen a company, they will come to your property and use specialised equipment to safely remove the oil from your tank. They will then transport the oil to a licensed waste management facility for proper disposal.
FAQs about heating oil disposal in the UK
Why dispose of home heating oil?
You may need to dispose of heating oil if it’s contaminated or no longer usable. Contamination can occur when water, dirt, or other debris enters the oil tank. If the oil is contaminated, it can damage your heating system or cause it to malfunction.
You may also need to dispose of heating oil if you no longer need it. For example, if you’re switching to a different heating system or moving to a new home, you may no longer need your current supply of heating oil.
In either case, it’s important to dispose of heating oil properly. Used oil should not be dumped down the drain or poured onto the ground, as it can contaminate water sources and harm wildlife. Instead, it should be disposed of at a recycling centre or through a specialised collection service that can properly handle and recycle the oil.
Can I recycle domestic heating oil?
Yes. Recycling home heating oil involves removing any contaminants or impurities from the oil and treating it so that it can be used again.
There are specialist companies in the UK that offer this service. These companies will typically collect the used oil from your tank, transport it to a processing facility, and refine it so that it can be used again as fuel. The recycled oil is typically blended with new oil to create a fuel that meets the required standards.
Can I transport old fuel to a hazardous waste facility myself?
In short: no! It’s safer to use a licensed waste disposal company that specialises in hazardous waste management. By hiring these professionals, you’ll ensure that your fuel is transported safely and legally.
Can heating oil be pumped out?
Yes. How you do this depends on the size of your tank. Smaller quantities of heating oil can be syphoned out, but an industrial pump may be required if your tank is large. If you’re unsure, speak to the pros.
How can my council help with heating oil disposal?
Some council’s in the UK offer free or discounted collections of waste oil. The specific services and policies will vary depending on your location, so you should check with your council to see if they offer this service.
If your council does not provide a collection service, they should be able to recommend licenced waste carriers and offer guidance on how to dispose of heating oil safely.
Key Takeaway
It’s important to dispose of old heating oil properly to protect the environment and human health and avoid legal penalties. Whether you decide to use a hazardous waste disposal facility or recycling service, you should always seek help from professionals.
If you suspect your tank is ready for a reboot, call our friendly team on 0333 270 3300 today. They can talk you through domestic oil tank replacements, carried out by our OFTEC registered engineers.
