Fuel oil tank removal and decommissioning service
Safe, licensed oil tank removal across London and the South East. From domestic heating oil tanks to large industrial bunds — we handle the full process, from emptying and gas-freeing to certified disposal.
We manage every stage of the process, so you don’t have to coordinate multiple contractors. One team, one call, one job done properly.
Tank emptying & dewatering
Residual oil, fuel and sludge uplifted using our vacuum tanker fleet before any access work begins, keeping operatives and the environment safe.
Tank cleaning & gas-freeing
High-pressure water jetting removes residual product and vapour. We then issue a Gas Free certificate, required before disposal can take place.
Safe decommissioning
All work meets current Environment Agency guidance. Our teams hold full BA confined space entry qualifications for enclosed and underground tanks.
Licensed tank disposal
Physical removal and licensed off-site disposal of the tank structure. We carry all necessary waste carrier licences — no sub-contracting of disposal.
Contaminated soil & remediation
Residual oil, fuel and sludge uplifted using our vacuum tanker fleet before any access work begins, keeping operatives and the environment safe.
24/7 emergency response
Oil tank failure, leaks, or spills can happen at any time. Our duty manager can despatch a team outside of normal hours — call us whenever you need us.
Scope of work
Oil tank types we remove
Whatever size of oil or fuel tank you need us to work on, our oil tank cleaning and decommissioning working practices meet with the regulations that govern our business and our teams are qualified to carry out this type of tank extraction and fuel tank disposal work including full BA confined space entry.
We work across all tank types, sizes and configurations – commercial and domestic, above-ground and buried.
Domestic heating oil tanks
Plastic bunded or single-skin tanks storing heating oil (kerosene). Typically 500–2,500 litres. Common in older properties converting to mains gas or heat pumps.
Commercial fuel storage
Diesel or heating oil tanks for commercial premises, logistics depots, farms, and off-grid facilities. Often steel, ranging from 2,500 to 50,000 litres.
Underground storage tanks (USTs)
Buried tanks requiring excavation and confined space procedures. Commonly found at former petrol stations, industrial sites, and older commercial properties.
Industrial bunds & process tanks
Large capacity tanks and bunded storage areas used in manufacturing, utilities, and processing environments. Multi-compartment and complex configurations handled.
Generator fuel tanks
On-site diesel storage tanks used to fuel standby generators at data centres, hospitals, and commercial buildings undergoing refurbishment or asset disposal.
Chemical & waste oil tanks
Tanks holding used or contaminated oils, lubricants, and process chemicals. Classified and disposed of under hazardous waste regulations.
The Process
How oil tank removals
A straightforward, managed process from first call to completion certificate.
1
Enquiry & Survey
We take details of your tank and arrange a site assessment where needed to confirm scope and provide a fixed quote.
2
Tank Emptying
Our vacuum tankers remove all residual product, sludge, and water before any entry or physical work takes place.
3
Clean & Gas Free
High-pressure jetting clears remaining residues. Vapour levels are tested and a Gas Free certificate is issued once safe.
4
Tank Removal
The tank is safely disconnected, cut down if required, and removed from site by our licensed team.
5
Licensed Disposal
All materials are disposed of at licensed facilities. You receive a waste transfer note as your compliance record.
Planning to sell or redevelop a site?
A Gass Free certificate and waste transer note from a licensed contractor are the documents your solicitor, insurer or local authority will need. We issue these as standard on every job.
compliance & regulation
Why proper oil tank removal matters
Abandoned or poorly decommissioned oil tanks are a recognised environmental liability. Residual product left in an unventilated tank can create explosive vapour conditions, and leakage into soil or groundwater can result in significant Environment Agency enforcement action and clean-up costs.
- Decommissioning should follow CIRIA guidance and Environment Agency best practice
- A licensed waste carrier must be used for disposal — certificates must be retained
- The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 apply to tanks over 200 litres
- Contamination discovered during removal may trigger further investigation duties
- Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental surveys may be required on sale or development
common questions
Frequently asked questions about oil tank removal
Cost depends on the tank type, size, access, and whether contamination is present. Smaller domestic tanks are typically more straightforward to price than large commercial or underground tanks. We provide a fixed quote following an initial discussion and, where needed, a site visit. Call us on 0800 171 2204 for a quick guide price based on your situation.
No. We can provide tank emptying as part of our service. Our vacuum tankers will remove any residual oil, sludge, and water before cleaning and decommissioning begins. If you have usable heating oil remaining, we can advise on options for recovering its value or transferring it to a new tank.
A Gas Free certificate confirms that the tank atmosphere has been tested and found free of flammable or toxic vapours to a safe level for hot work or physical demolition. We issue this as standard once cleaning is complete. It is required before the tank can be cut or physically disposed of, and is also a useful document to retain for your own compliance records — particularly if you are selling the property or reporting to an insurer.
Most standard above-ground domestic or commercial tank removals are completed in a single day. Larger industrial tanks, underground tanks, or sites with contamination may take longer and will be scoped accordingly. Following cleaning and gas-freeing, disposal can take place within 24 hours of the Gas Free certificate being issued.
Yes. We carry out underground storage tank (UST) removal, including excavation and confined space working. Our operatives hold confined space qualifications, which are required for safe entry and internal work on buried tanks. Underground removals are assessed on a site-specific basis, contact us to discuss your site.
If contamination is discovered or suspected, we can arrange ground investigation and, where needed, remediation works. Oil contamination in soil or groundwater is a regulated issue and early professional advice is important. We can advise on the appropriate steps and help co-ordinate with environmental consultants where a more detailed assessment is required.
Yes. We operate a 24/7 emergency response service. If you have a leaking tank, active spill, or urgent decommissioning need, call 0800 171 2204 at any time. Our team can arrange an immediate response across London and the South East.