Storing oil at your home or business

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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:

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:

View a printable version of the whole guide

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