Bunded Oil Tank Removal in Millisle (case study)

A customer in Millisle contacted Removerr to carry out the removal of a failed bunded oil tank. The issue had first been identified during an oil delivery, when the driver noticed that the outer skin of the tank was bulging. This is a clear sign that the inner tank has failed, with the outer bund holding the oil to prevent a spill.

While the bund had done its job and prevented what could have been an environmental issue, it highlighted that the tank was defective. The customer had already installed a new bunded oil tank and our role was to remove and dispose of the old bunded tank.

Inspection of the Failed Bunded Oil Tank

On inspection, there was still a substantial amount of heating oil sitting within the outer bund of the tank. To recover this, I carefully cut into the outer skin and inserted a transfer pump fitted with a filter.

In total, approximately 13 drums (around 260 litres) of clean heating oil were recovered. After discussing this with the customer, we agreed to transfer the usable oil into the newly installed tank, provided there was sufficient capacity.

This not only reduced waste but also saved the customer a significant amount in heating oil costs.

Bunded Oil Tank Removal Process in Millisle

Due to the size of the tank (approximately 1100 litres) and the restricted access within the garden, removing it in one piece wasn’t practical. There were several obstacles that would have made lifting and manoeuvring the tank difficult.

To resolve this, the tank was carefully cut in half on-site. This made the removal process far more manageable and also allowed access to any remaining oil trapped in the lower sections and corners of the bund.

Once fully drained and sectioned, the tank was removed safely from the property and loaded into the van for  disposal.

The job was completed efficiently with minimal disruption. The customer was particularly pleased that a large volume of usable heating oil was recovered and transferred into the new tank, rather than being lost.

The removal of the old bunded tank also cleared space in the garden, as it had been sitting unused for several months following the installation of the replacement unit.

Oil Tank Removal and Heating Oil Services Across Northern Ireland

Removerr provides professional oil tank removal and disposal services across Northern Ireland, covering single skin, bunded (double-skinned), and metal oil tanks. Whether you’re dealing with a failed tank, replacing an old one, or switching from oil to gas, we can remove and dispose of your tank in line with current environmental regulations.

We also offer heating oil transfer services, allowing usable oil to be safely transferred from one tank to another. In addition, we handle the collection and disposal of waste oil and other forms of hazardous waste, ensuring everything is dealt with correctly and taken to a licensed facility.

All jobs are carried out in line with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) requirements. Prior to any oil tank removal, the necessary paperwork is submitted to NIEA, giving the required notice. Once the work is complete, customers receive copies of all documentation, including confirmation that the waste has been properly disposed of at an authorised hazardous waste facility.

We operate throughout Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Bangor, Newtownards, Lisburn, Antrim, Ballymena, Coleraine, Enniskillen, and surrounding areas.

If you need an oil tank removed, oil transferred, or hazardous waste disposed of, contact Andrew on 07434 691809 or email andrew@remover.co.uk.