Safe and Compliant Tank Decommissioning Across the UK
When it’s time to remove or replace your fuel storage tank, simply abandoning it can pose serious safety, environmental and legal risks. At Crown Oil Environmental, we provide complete tank decommissioning services, including tank cleaning, gas-free certification, removal and disposal – safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with environmental regulations – to ensure your site is protected and your liabilities are eliminated.
Whether we decommission your tank via foam filling (which enables you to reuse your tank at a later date) using concrete to permanently put your tank out of use or we remove it altogether, we are highly experienced in ensuring your vessel is safe and inert.
Learn more about our fuel tank decommissioning services by calling our expert team on 0330 123 3399
What is fuel tank decommissioning?
Tank decommissioning is the securing of an oil tank which is no longer required by degassing it before removing it or filling it with an inert substance to prevent it from regassing over time. We offer several types of tank decommissioning, including foam filling and tank removal.
Why do fuel tanks need to be decommissioned?
- Tanks corrode or degrade over time, leading to leaks, soil or groundwater contamination and regulatory noncompliance
- Removing or inerting unneeded tanks saves inspection costs, reduces environmental risk and avoids penalties
- Situations that often require decommissioning include site closure, system upgrades, relocation or simply when fuel storage is no longer needed
Oil tank decommissioning options
All our tank decommissioning services are carried out in-house, streamlining the process with end-to-end project management and support.
| Method | Description | When It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
| Foam Filling (e.g. RG22) | Lightweight foam is pumped into the tank to inert it, without damaging its structure. Reversible if tank reuse is planned. One of the least disruptive methods. | For tanks that may be reused, or where removal is difficult or expensive. Extremely popular with our forecourt customers. |
| Concrete Filling | Tank is filled with concrete to permanently render it inert. Suitable for underground or large commercial tanks. | For permanent decommissioning, especially when tank removal isn’t feasible. |
| Full Tank Removal | The tank is emptied (fuel uplift + tank clean), degassed, removed, and disposed of appropriately. Eliminates the hazard at source. | When site redevelopment is planned or for maximum environmental safety. |
Thorough tank cleaning
Tank decommissioning involves the removal of all traces of liquid fuels, fumes and waste from the inside of the tank before it can be taken away. Tanks that store oil are classed as hazardous until they have been professionally cleaned. Our experts carry out industrial tank cleaning for a wide range of businesses across the UK. Visit our tank cleaning page for more information.
Oil tank decommissioning process
- Site visit and survey: Before we can decommission your tank, our experts will visit your site to carry out a site survey to investigate your tank’s history, its condition and the surrounding area.
- Quotation: You’ll then receive a full quotation for the tank decommissioning process. We’ll recommend the most cost-effective, compliant option (foam, concrete, removal) and also plan for safety, permits, environment and minimal disruption.
- Planning: Our team will meticulously plan the entire process to ensure that it causes as little disruption as possible to your operations.
- Fuel uplift and tank clean: Our fully accredited team will then remove any liquid fuels, residue and gases from your tank, providing you with a gas-free certificate and a consignment note for all liquid fuels removed. We will then clean the tank to the highest standard.
- Tank filling or removal: We will then either fill your tank with RG22 foam or remove it entirely from your site.
- Certification and report: After completion, provide documentation: gas‐free certificate, waste and disposal records, compliance fill method, location, any environmental mitigation carried out.
Oil tank decommissioning specialists
When considering a tank decommissioning service, the three most important factors to consider are service accreditation, safety and minimal environmental impact. At Crown Oil Environmental, we can guarantee all three.
We have over 75 years’ experience in efficiently and safely decommissioning fuel tanks for business and domestic customers alike. If you require the safe removal of a storage tank from your site or home or the foam filling of one of your above or underground tanks, then we can help.
Why choose us for your tank removal?
- Over 75 years of experience with fuel storage systems and decommissioning across the UK
- Full end-to-end service: from uplift and cleaning to removal or inerting. We handle everything in-house
- Commit to environmental safety, regulatory compliance, and minimal disruption
- Certified and accredited staff with appropriate permits and safety credentials
- Flexible solutions tailored to your site and needs
Tank Decommissioning FAQs
How much does tank decommissioning or removal cost?
As with all our services, no two jobs are the same. All our tank removal and decommissioning quotes are tailored to your site’s fuel storage and your needs. Foam filling is generally a more cost-effective solution than full tank removal, but the proposed service will depend on your specific requirements.
Is decommissioning legally required?
Yes, for tanks that are no longer in use, or when regulations demand removal or inerting; keeping an unused tank live can risk environmental regulation failures and pollution liability.
What is a gas-free certificate?
It certifies that all fuel, vapours, and residues have been safely removed and the tank environment is safe for entry or removal. Removal work must meet health & safety standards.
How long does tank decommissioning take?
Time depends on tank size, location, method chosen, and condition. Smaller above-ground tanks may take days; large underground tanks or removal projects may take longer.
What happens to the tank once decommissioned?
If foam filled or concreted, the tank remains in place but is rendered inert. If removed, it is dismantled and disposed of in line with waste regulations.
Can I reuse a tank after foam filling?
Yes, foam filling is reversible in many cases. If you plan to reuse, ensure you follow our guidance to safely clean and recommission when ready.
Ready to learn more about our fuel and oil tank decommissioning services? Call our expert team today on 0330 123 3399 to find the safest way to render your tank safe
Fuel Specialists Trusted for Over 75 Years
We guarantee all of our products and services. Our expert teams are the most experienced in the industry, and each individual is an expert in every aspect of their role.
We are passionate about providing excellent service at all times and our commitment to customer care makes us the perfect choice for your environmental service requirements.
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give our expert team a call today on 0330 123 3399
