Storing waste oil safely: 5 practical tips

Good storage prevents leaks, keeps your oil valuable and ensures you comply with the rules. With these five tips you can store waste oil safely until collection.

1. Use suitable, approved storage containers

Store oil in sound tanks, IBCs or drums that are resistant to the contents and properly sealable. Damaged or improvised packaging increases the risk of leakage.

2. Provide a drip tray or liquid-tight floor

Place storage containers above a drip tray or on a liquid-tight floor, so that any leakage is contained and the ground is not contaminated.

3. Keep streams separate

Do not mix waste oil with water, coolant or solvents. Separate storage keeps the oil pure and therefore more valuable, and simplifies processing.

4. Label clearly

Mark each storage container with its contents. This prevents confusion, mistakes and mixing, and helps ensure a smooth, correct collection.

5. Avoid overfilling

Do not fill storage containers to the brim. Leave room for expansion and safe handling, and schedule a collection in good time before capacity is reached.

Official source: PGS – storage guidelines