Once oil - such as engine oil or oil used as an industrial lubricant - can no longer be used for its original purpose, it becomes waste oil. But you can’t just dispose of waste oil immediately. So, it must be stored safely in your workplace until it can be disposed of safely and legally.
In the UK, waste oil is carefully regulated, because it can cause serious environmental damage. During use, oil picks up contaminants, such as combustion residues and heavy metals. These make the waste oil harmful to water and the land if released improperly.
Businesses must store waste oil safely, with no possibility of leaks, before disposing of it legally by using a licenced waste carrier. Waste oils should be stored separately from other waste, and it is also important not to mix different types of waste oil – so if your business produces more than one type of waste oil, you need more than one waste oil tank.
Using the wrong container, overfilling it, not securing the lid properly or storing waste oil close to a drain can all lead to leaks, contamination and possibly an expensive fine.
So how do you choose the right waste oil tank for your workshop to ensure you are complying with the law and keeping your surroundings safe?
The right material – waste oil tanks are made from either steel or sturdy plastic. A plastic tank will work out cheaper, if budget is a factor in your decision. Both plastic and steel tanks from Tanks for Everything come with a 10-year warranty, but with the right maintenance, a steel tank should last longer than a plastic one.
The right size – consider how much oil you will need to store. If the tank is too small, you will need more frequent waste oil collections, and the cost will soon add up. But if the tank is too big, you may have spent money on capacity you don’t need, and it might not fit well into your workshop.
The right shape – consider where the tank is going to be stored in your workshop and choose a tank which best fits the space. Plastic tanks come in a wider range of shapes, including low profile, slimline and cylindrical tanks.
Bunded – a secondary containment, holding 110% of the primary tank’s capacity, will hold any accidental leaks and spills, rather than them leaking and causing environmental damage and leading to expensive clean-up operations.
Lockable lid – keep your waste oil tank safe from leaks and vandalism with a secure, lockable lid.
Cleaning and maintenance – choose a tank with components and accessories which are easy to remove for cleaning and maintenance, to ensure your waste oil tank continues to operate safely and effectively for years to come.
Ultimately, the right waste oil tank for your workshop is the one that suits both your needs and your budget. Penalties for leaks can be severe, and the cost of environmental clean-up operations is high. Leaks can also lead to reputational damage, lost contracts and skyrocketing insurance costs.
By choosing the right waste oil tank for your workshop, you can avoid all these issues, comply with the law and protect the environment.
To explore our full range of waste oil tanks, check out the selection on the Tanks For Everything website.
