How To Choose a
Waste Oil Tank for
Your Business
For businesses that generate waste oil as part of their operations, proper storage is not just a matter of convenience but a legal and environmental necessity. Waste oil, if improperly handled, can cause significant environmental harm, lead to costly fines, and tarnish a company’s reputation. Choosing the right solutions to store and handle waste oil is therefore essential.
In this guide we’ll take a look at why reliable waste oil storage is important and the requirements and features businesses should consider to enable them to source the best solutions for their specific needs.
What Are Waste Oil Tanks?
Waste oil tanks are specially designed containers used to store used oil and oil-contaminated liquids safely, in a way that complies with relevant regulations, until they can be disposed of or recycled properly. They are vital for any organisation generating waste oil, such as automotive workshops, agricultural businesses, manufacturing plants, service stations, and industrial facilities.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Waste Oil Tank
Capacity Requirements
Determining the correct tank size is usually the first step when selecting a waste oil tank. Opting for a tank that’s too small will mean oil can’t be stored safely, or will need collecting more frequently. A tank that’s too large may be difficult to position, and could make for an inefficient purchase.
Businesses should evaluate the volume of waste oil generated, the frequency of waste oil collection or disposal, and any seasonal fluctuations in waste oil production. Capacity requirements can vary quite significantly depending on how much and how frequently waste oil is generated by a business, but as a general rule of thumb:
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Light Use: Smaller operations or those generating lower volumes of waste oil typically require tanks with capacities between 200 and 500 litres.
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Medium Use: Medium-sized operations may need tanks in the range of 500 to 1,000 litres.
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Heavy Use: Large-scale operations and those producing high volumes of waste oil typically require tanks exceeding 1,000 litres.
Location & Space Considerations
The placement of a waste oil tank is another important factor to think about. Where the tank is installed will play a role in determining which one is most suitable for a business.
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Outdoor Tanks: Should be weatherproof, durable, and secure.
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Indoor Tanks: Require proper ventilation to ensure safety, and may need additional measures putting in place to prevent leaks and ensure fire safety.
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Accessibility: The location of the tank should allow for easy access by waste collection vehicles, as well as efficient use when handling and depositing waste oil.
Type of Waste Oil
Waste oil can take various forms depending on its source. When selecting a tank to store waste oil, it’s important to opt for one that is suitable for the type of oil that needs to be stored. Common types include:
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Used Engine Oil: Typically generated from vehicles and machinery
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Hydraulic Oil: Often produced by industries relying on mechanical equipment.
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Industrial Lubricants: A by-product of manufacturing processes and machinery maintenance.
Compliance with UK Regulations
Waste oil storage must meet UK legal standards to avoid penalties and ensure environmental protection. It’s therefore vital that any tank or waste oil storage solution ensures that businesses are fully compliant:
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Tanks should have a bund capable of holding 110% of the tank’s capacity.
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Tanks should be clearly labelled as Waste Oil.
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Tanks should include safety features like lockable access points and level indicators for monitoring oil levels.
Steel vs. Plastic Waste Oil Tanks
The choice between steel and plastic tanks depends on the specific needs of the business. Steel tanks are ideal for large volumes or harsh environments, while plastic tanks are better suited for small to medium-sized businesses seeking flexibility and affordability.
Steel Tanks: Pros and Cons
+ Steel tanks are known for their durability and fire resistance, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications. They can last for many years, and offer a high level of security.
- They are heavier than plastic tanks which means they can be more difficult to install. They can also have a higher initial cost, and require semi-regular maintenance to protect against corrosion.
✔ Steel tanks are suitable for industries that require robust, high volume and long-lasting storage solutions, and where maintenance requirements can be met.
Plastic Tanks: Pros and Cons
+ Plastic waste oil tanks are lightweight, cost-effective, and resistant to corrosion, offering a versatile storage option for many businesses.
- They may not perform as well as steel tanks under extreme conditions, and can be easier to puncture.
✔ Plastic tanks are often a preferred choice for small to medium-sized businesses due to their affordability and ease of handling.
Additional Features to Look For in a Waste Oil Tank
Once the main factors have been considered, a business can start to identify the size and type of tank that best suits their needs. Some additional features to be aware of include:
Spill Containment and Bunding
Bunded tanks provide essential protection against leaks and spills, ensuring environmental safety and regulatory compliance. These features are indispensable for businesses handling waste oil.
Secure Access Points
Tanks with lockable hatches and access points prevent unauthorised access and minimise the risk of accidental spills or tampering.
Dispensing and Pumping Systems
Integrated hoses, nozzles, and pumps make it easy and safe to transfer waste oil for collection.
Level Indicators
Built-in level indicators allow businesses to monitor oil levels accurately and plan timely disposals, reducing the risk of overflows and ensuring efficient waste oil management.
Venting
Tanks that offer bund to atmosphere venting provide extra protection against overfilling, as the vent is piped first into the bund then into the atmosphere.
Supports & Feet
Waste oil tanks with integrated feet or supports prevent the tanks from coming into contact with the ground, offering additional protection.
Why Proper Storage of Waste Oil is Important
Improper storage can lead to severe consequences, such as oil leaks, contamination of soil and water sources, and significant fines due to regulatory breaches. For businesses that need to store waste oil, it’s important to adhere to UK regulations which are designed to minimise the risks associated with this type of hazardous material.
Environmental Protection
Just one litre of oil can contaminate up to a million litres of water, and protecting the environment is one of the main reasons why waste oil storage and disposal is so regulated.
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Preventing Soil and Water Contamination: Waste oil contains hazardous substances like heavy metals, chemicals, and hydrocarbons. If it leaks, it can seep into the soil and groundwater, causing long-term damage to ecosystems, drinking water supplies, and agricultural land.
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Protecting Wildlife: Oil spills can harm wildlife, both on land and in water. Even small leaks can have devastating effects on birds, fish, and mammals.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance
There are strict laws and regulations governing waste oil disposal, management, and storage. Ensuring compliance is vital for businesses as there can be significant consequences, particularly if leaks or spills occur due to incorrect storage being used. This can include:
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Large Fines: Fines for non compliant waste oil storage or disposal can be tens of thousands of pounds, particularly if there are accidents resulting in high clean up costs.
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Shutdown of Operations: Businesses may be unable to operate until non-compliant equipment and processes are resolved.
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Legal Action: In severe cases, criminal charges may be brought against those responsible for damage, particularly if operations are found to be in breach of regulations.
Health & Safety for Employees
Properly maintained waste oil tanks keep the work environment safer for employees and visitors. Waste oil can emit toxic fumes and pose a fire hazard, and ensuring it is stored correctly reduces:
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Risks of inhalation of harmful fumes and vapours.
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Chances of slips, trips, and falls from spills.
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Fire or explosion risks in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Employers have a duty of care for employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which makes it a legal obligation to protect personnel from risks associated with the storage and management of waste oil.
Operational Efficiency & Reputation
Following correct storage and disposal processes enables businesses to manage their waste oil in a way that’s safe and efficient, and avoid the considerable risks that come with attempting to cut corners.
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Avoiding Cleanup Costs: Oil spills are expensive to clean up, costing businesses huge sums in contractor fees, downtime, and lost productivity.
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Preserving Brand Reputation: Being associated with environmental damage can severely harm a company’s public image and customer trust.
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Easier Waste Oil Recycling: Properly stored waste oil is easier to collect, treat, and recycle, promoting a greener business operation.
Supporting Sustainability and the Circular Economy
As well as helping to avoid causing harm to the environment, correctly storing and disposing of waste oil enables businesses to boost their environmental credentials, particularly if the oil can be reused or recycled.
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Waste oil can often be re-refined into lubricants, processed into fuel oils, or used for energy recovery.
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Safe storage ensures that the waste oil is not contaminated with other substances, making recycling more effective and environmentally friendly.
Why Quality Matters in Waste Oil Storage
When sourcing waste oil tanks for commercial use, it’s important to ensure that products are of good quality to ensure long lasting and reliable performance. Experienced, well regarded manufacturers and suppliers have built their reputations on the quality of their products, and as such are usually the best bet for sourcing reliable equipment for storing and handling waste oil.
Durable & Reliable
While they may sometimes be cheaper, lower quality tanks are more prone to cracks, corrosion, and seam failures, especially under the strain of daily commercial use. A single unnoticed crack in a lower quality tank can lead to thousands of pounds in fines, cleanup costs, and environmental damage.
Look for high quality tanks made from durable materials like thick steel or reinforced polyethylene, which can drastically reduce the risk of environmental contamination from leaks.
Safe & Compliant
High quality tanks are usually certified to meet (or exceed) applicable regulations and standards, including British Standard BS 5410 and Oil Storage Regulations (UK). This means that you can be confident that you are storing waste oil in a way that’s fully compliant, eliminating exposure to risks of fines, shutdowns or other enforcement should inspections or spills occur.
Fire Safety
Waste oil is combustible, and low-grade storage equipment might not offer adequate protection against heat or sparks. Choosing the right model of high-quality waste oil tanks means it will be designed to be fire-resistant, or rated for use in hazardous environments. They can also be equipped with flame arrestors, grounding points, and pressure vents where necessary.
A good quality tank will be manufactured to include proper venting systems that help avoid spills or dangerous vapor build-up which can lead to explosions in worst-case scenarios.
Longevity & Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Good quality waste oil tanks are engineered to last decades, given the right maintenance schedule, and typically have long warranties (often ranging from 10 to 30 years). Although the upfront cost may be higher than a lower quality product, businesses are able to realise a cost saving over the medium to longer term due to fewer repairs and replacements, lower maintenance costs, and reduced operational downtime. Opting for a good quality tank to begin with can avoid multiple tank replacements and expensive repairs over its lifetime.
Operational Efficiency
Reliable equipment makes it easier to manage waste oil processes, which helps businesses to operate not only safely, but also efficiently. A good quality waste oil system can include features such as better pumps and transfer systems that reduce manual handling requirements, clear indicators (like level gauges) to prevent accidental overfilling, and integrated filtration systems to facilitate easier recycling.
Time saved from fewer breakdowns or maintenance issues means personnel can focus on core business activities, not dealing with tank failures.
Maintenance & Care for Waste Oil Tanks
To ensure a waste oil tank continues to perform reliably for a long time, and to remain compliant, a suitable maintenance schedule is usually recommended. This can include:
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Regular Inspections: Regular inspections are essential to identify potential issues such as leaks, corrosion, or signs of wear and tear. Addressing these problems early can prevent costly repairs and ensure the tank remains in good working condition.
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Cleaning: Periodic cleaning of waste oil tanks helps to prevent contamination and maintain operational efficiency. Proper cleaning techniques ensure the tank’s longevity and reliability.
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Preventive Maintenance: Proactive maintenance measures, such as replacing worn components and performing routine checks, extend the lifespan of the tank and ensure compliance with regulations. Preventive care also reduces the risk of unexpected failures, enhancing the safety and efficiency of waste oil management.
Find The Right Waste Oil Solution For Your Business
Selecting the right tank is essential for any business that produces waste oil in order to remain safe and compliant.
At Northern Tank Store we manufacture high quality steel tanks and supply a range of premium plastic tanks from some of Europe's leading brands. With decades of industry experience, our team is available to provide advice and recommendations to help you find the ideal waste oil tank for your needs.
We also offer bespoke oil tanks for businesses requiring custom solutions, as well as all the accessories and waste oil equipment you may need to keep your operation running smoothly.
Explore our product range online, or get in touch should you have any queries or require assistance in finding the best waste oil storage solution for your business.