Storing oil at your home or business
Storing oil at your business
You must follow the regulations for businesses if your oil container can hold 201 litres or more of:
- petrol
- diesel
- biofuels
- kerosene
- hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)
- vegetable oil and plant-based oils, for example sunflower oil or aromatherapy oil - including waste cooking oil
- synthetic oils, for example motor oil - including waste oil
- oils used as solvents
- biodegradable oils, for example lubricating or hydraulic oils
- liquid bitumen-based products, for example waterproofing or damp proofing products, or coatings for a road surface
The regulations do not apply to:
- liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
- hydrocarbon products that are solid when unheated, like bitumen
- solvents that are not oil based, for example trichloroethylene
- aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene and toluene
- waste mineral oils drained from vehicles, and mixtures of diesel and petrol that cannot be used as vehicle fuel
You must follow different , and .
Other exceptions
You do not have to follow oil storage regulations if your oil is:
- stored for distribution to other places
- in use, for example lubrication in a hydraulic system
The regulations do not apply if your storage containers are:
- underground
- in a building that would capture leaking oil - contact your local council to find out if you have to meet any extra fire safety regulations
- at a refinery
- at a premises for onward distribution of oil - but not a premises which sells oil directly to end users or a premises that uses oil
Check if you need an environmental permit if you바카라 사이트™re storing certain waste oils.
Farms
You must follow different regulations if your oil is on a farm and you use it:
- for heat and power for agriculture, for example to fuel your tractor or run a grain dryer
- to heat your farmhouse
Choosing someone to install your oil storage tank
You should choose someone who바카라 사이트™s registered with a 바카라 사이트˜competent person바카라 사이트™ scheme.
You바카라 사이트™re responsible for any pollution caused by problems with your oil storage container. You need to know the regulations about oil storage containers, including where it바카라 사이트™s located and how it바카라 사이트™s protected.
Penalties
You can be fined if you do not follow the oil storage regulations.
The Environment Agency can also serve an anti-pollution works notice to make you bring your tank up to legal requirements.
Get advice
Contact the Environment Agency if you have a question about following oil storage regulations in England.
Environment Agency
enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 03708 506 506
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
If your business is outside England, contact one of the following: