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 regulations in Scotland, regulations in Northern Ireland and regulations in Wales.
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 you’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 who’s registered with a ‘competent person’ scheme.
You’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 it’s located and how it’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: