Oil tank removal made easy

Getting a new oil tank installed means removing the old one. It’s a task that many people find daunting or, at the very least, feel like it’s a problem that they could do without.

That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to removing your tank the right way. Whether you’re having your tank prepared and removed by experts – this is highly recommended – or you’re preparing it for removal yourself, follow these steps to make sure that the process is smooth and hassle-free.

Expert oil tank removal

If you need to remove an old oil tank, an OFTEC registered engineer will identify the safe and correct way to do the job, mitigating any fire or environmental risks that may be associated with the process.

Once prepared for removal, your old tank is transported to a designated recycling centre, where it finds new life as metal or plastic components. It’s important to ask your expert about their recycling policies. At Atlantis Tanks, our commitment to sustainability means that every tank we remove is, whenever possible, repurposed or recycled.

How does an expert remove an oil tank?

Here are the steps a specialist will take to prepare and remove your oil tank:

Oil measurement and analysis: A precise assessment determines the oil quantity and identifies any contamination, which is usually found at the bottom of the tank. This evaluation helps the engineer to select the right pumps and other equipment to pump out the oil, enabling oil-water separation and contamination removal.
Oil pump-out: The uncontaminated oil is pumped out from the old tank into a holding tank. Simultaneously, a separate tank collects contaminants. The clean, uncontaminated oil can be used in your new oil tank. This means that it isn’t essential to make sure that your old tank is completely empty before it’s replaced, helping you avoid downtime for your heating system.
Waste oil disposal: Once the clean oil is safely stored, the waste oil is collected and transferred to an approved waste oil container. Disposal at a licensed site ensures that the unwanted oil from your oil tank does’t cause any environmental harm.
Cleaning the old tank: With the oil completely pumped out, the tank is cleaned and disconnected from the site’s supply.
Tank removal: Depending on access to your site, the old oil tank may be transported intact to the recycling facility, or it may be disassembled on-site to prevent any damage to your property.
Tank disposal and recycling: The retired oil tank is recycled if possible. Sites around the UK currently recycle both plastic and steel oil tanks. Recycled plastic tanks can be granulated and remoulded into various everyday items, and steel tanks can be melted down and repurposed.

Our environmental promise

At Atlantis Tanks, we guarantee eco-friendly disposal and we work hard to minimise environmental impact.

Why choose experts to do the job?

Preparing your oil tank for removal and oil tank removal itself can be messy, stressful and complicated. It’s also a time-consuming and potentially dangerous job to take on if you have little experience of the procedure. The problems are further compounded by the need to adhere to legal regulations concerning waste and tank disposal. Additionally, any oil leakage during removal can prove costly, both to your pocket and the environment.

A certified engineer comes equipped with the necessary pumps, storage tanks and a license to dispose of contaminated oil. They also hold the appropriate licenses required to safely and responsibility dispose of your tank, taking the stress off you.

Our network of oil tank removal engineers remove hundreds of redundant oil tanks every day. They hold all the appropriate licenses, which certify that their practices comply with relevant local regulations.

Oil tank removal: Doing the job yourself

Oil tank removal must be carried out in compliance with existing Building Regulations. It’s also vital that the person carrying out the removal holds the appropriate licences to deal with waste oil and tanks. This means that it’s not possible to simply turn up at a recycling centre and expect your old tank to be accepted.

However, it is possible to prepare your oil tank for removal yourself. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to get your tank ready for removal:

Empty your tank: Make sure that the tank is completely empty. This means that you’ll have to pump out the oil, including contaminated oil, and collect it in accordance with regulations. Waste oil must be disposed of correctly. eHow offers some useful suggestions here. However, we recommend that you contact your local authority for advice as UK regions may have differing requirements.
Clean the tank: Tanks should be thoroughly cleaned before being picked up. This is to avoid any contamination during transportation and to help prevent hazards to people carrying out the removal. Our tank cleaning kits will help you with this job, but be prepared for it to get messy. You’ll also need to ensure that any contaminated water and detergent that you’ve used are collected and disposed of correctly.
Ensure access: Your tank will need to be inspected on site, so you’ll need to ensure easy access for the engineer. You’ll also need to make sure that the tank can be removed safely from your premises. This could mean that the tank has to be cut in half to enable it to fit through a gate or other access point.
Book removal: Once your tank is ready, go ahead and book a collection.

Why choose Atlantis Tanks to be your expert oil tank removal team?

Choosing Atlantis Tanks to deal with your oil tank removal ensures a reliable, fast and comprehensive service. We seamlessly manage the removal, disposal and responsible recycling of your old oil tank. Our years of experience mean that our team can take the burden off your shoulders, providing you with unparalleled peace of mind throughout the entire decommissioning process.

Contact Atlantis Tanks today to find out more about oil tank removal.