Disposing of oil is a regulated activity in the UK due to its toxicity. It is classed as a hazardous waste under The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 and it is an offence to just pour it away down the drain or dispose of it like you would normal landfill.
If you produce or store hazardous waste anywhere in England or Wales you must register your premises every year, unless the quantity produced is less than 500kg each year.
Before disposal, oil should first be stored according to the Oil Storage Regulations. This includes waste engine oil, petrol, diesel, cooking oil, synthetic oils – most waste oils. Mineral-based waste oil is exempt from these rules in England, but you should still consider meeting the requirements to prevent water pollution. In Wales the Oil Storage Regulations do not apply, but you should still consider following them for ethical reasons. If oil from your site enters the ground then you could be fined and also have to pay for the cleanup.
You must keep records of all the hazardous waste you produce, and complete consignment notes whenever the waste is moved (more on this later). This applies even if you are exempt from registering as a hazardous waste producer.
How to Store Oil
A suitable container can include a tank, drum or bowser. It should be stored above ground, away from where vehicles can bump into it. The surface it is on should be impermeable, and away from drains or any other places where the oil could seep into the ground. Read the rest of this entry »

