Commercial Oil and Fuel Tank Removal Service

The time needed varies by tank size and where it’s located.

• Best case (easy access): If a lorry-mounted crane can reach the tank, removal can take as little as a couple of hours.
• Inside a building: It usually takes longer because the tank may need cleaning and cutting on site before it can be removed.
• Main factors: tank size, access route, lifting options, and whether on-site cutting is required.

Cost varies based on the tank type, what it has stored, and where it’s positioned.

• Tank type: bunded, single-skin, steel or plastic
• Fuel grade held: diesel, heavy fuel oil and other grades affect cleaning requirements
• Location and access: whether it can be lifted out or needs on-site cutting and removal
• Cleaning needs: heavy fuel oil tanks may need heating and more extensive cleaning, which increases cost
• Potential resale value: some bunded diesel tanks may have resale value that can be credited against the overall cost

Next step: A quick conversation with an engineer can usually give an early indication of scope and likely cost based on your site details.

Working with fuel and oil carries a high level of risk, and mistakes can have serious consequences.

Key risks can include:

• Fire and explosion risk from flammable vapours
• Spills and environmental contamination
• Hazards during cleaning and cutting (including fumes and hot works)
• Manual handling and lifting risks (especially on restricted sites)

How we manage risk

All work is carried out using site-specific safe systems of work and comprehensive risk assessments.

Documentation

You’ll receive copies of the relevant documents to review before work starts.

Our team carries signed copies on site throughout the job.

In most cases, you should not abandon it.  Unused or abandoned fuel tanks normally need to be properly removed and disposed of to reduce environmental risk.

• Abandoned tanks can lead to leaks, contamination and liability issues.
• Requirements can vary depending on tank type, condition, contents and location.

If you’re unsure what applies to your site, it’s best to get site-specific advice before deciding on removal or decommissioning.

The risks can be significant. Leaving an old fuel tank in place can create long-term environmental and financial exposure.

• Corrosion and deterioration: older tanks can weaken over time, increasing leak risk
• Leaks and seepage: even small leaks can spread and worsen unnoticed
• Soil contamination: polluted ground can be expensive to investigate and remediate
• Groundwater pollution: contamination can travel beyond your site boundary
• Cost and liability: clean-up can be costly and may bring legal liabilities

The right approach is determined by local requirements and the condition of the tank.

• Regulations: local rules may specify when removal is required versus decommissioning
• Tank condition: age, corrosion, damage and leak history can affect what’s acceptable
• Tank type and location: above-ground vs below-ground, and proximity to buildings or sensitive areas
• Contents and residues: whether fuel, sludge or contamination is present

A site assessment is usually the quickest way to confirm whether decommissioning in place is suitable or if full removal is the safer option.

The process and timeline vary with the tank type, size and site conditions.

What the tank removal process can involve:

• First: Site assessment and plan: confirm tank type, access and method
• Next: Make safe: isolate lines and manage any remaining product
• Then: Cleaning: remove residues and sludge as required
• After that: Removal: lift out or excavate if the tank is below ground
• Finally: Disposal and handover: remove waste and dispose of it correctly, and provide the relevant paperwork for the work completed

How long it takes

Time varies based on tank size, location, access, and soil conditions (for below-ground tanks).

If excavation is required, the job usually takes longer than an above-ground removal.

Requirements vary by local regulations and what the tank has stored. However, some approvals are more common when certain fuels (such as petrol) have been stored.

• What was stored: if petrol  has been stored, approvals commonly involve the petroleum licensing authority
• Tank type and location: above-ground vs below-ground, and proximity to drains, buildings or sensitive areas
• Site controls: some sites (for example, rail, hospitals, secure facilities) may require additional permits and method statements

If you tell us your tank type and what it has stored, an engineer can usually confirm what permissions are needed before work begins.

DIY removal is strongly discouraged due to safety and environmental risks. A qualified tank removal company is the safer option.

• Safety: fuel vapours, fire risk, confined spaces, cutting and lifting hazards
• Environmental risk: spills and contamination can be expensive to clean up
• Compliance and paperwork: professional services can follow the correct site controls and provide supporting documentation where required

Arrange for a licensed waste contractor to remove and dispose of any remaining fuel or oil before the tank is taken out.

• Do not decant or dispose of fuel yourself unless you’re authorised and equipped to do so safely.
• Any fuel or oil removed from the site should be covered by the correct paperwork, typically a waste transfer note.
• In addition, a tank removal contractor can usually handle the pump-out and disposal as part of the job, provided you share details on fuel type, estimated volume and site access.

In most cases, the tank is made safe, cleaned and broken down, then the materials are recycled where possible. Any remaining contents are handled through the correct waste routes.

• Tank: typically cleaned, then cut up (if needed) and sent for recycling
• Contents: remaining fuel, sludge and contaminated residues are removed and disposed of in line with hazardous waste requirements
• Documentation: waste movements should be accompanied by the appropriate paperwork for your site records

Do requirements vary by location?

Yes. Requirements can vary depending on your site and local rules.

If you’re unsure what applies, check with the relevant local authority and use an experienced, qualified contractor for site-specific advice.