Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)

Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) is so named, because of its high viscosity (it almost resembles tar when cold) and large surpluses of this product are likely to present waste collection companies with problems, if:

(a) the storage tank heating system (usually via steam coils) has been shut off and the oil has cooled, becoming immobile and impossible to move with conventional pump systems; or

(b) the oil’s sulphur content exceeds the 1% maximum limit, which will prevent it from being burned as a fuel in the UK.

Collection information

A representative sample must be obtained and analysed for sulphur content, prior to recovery arrangements being made. Collection is possible only if the product is stored in a heated tank, or one in which the heat can be reinstated.