You’ve just acquired a commercial property. Maybe it was once a trucking terminal, a small industrial plant, or a municipal service yard.
The structure itself shows promise, and you’re already thinking about upgrades and new uses. But tucked away at the edge of the lot is something you hadn’t counted on: an old above ground fuel tank.
It’s no longer in use. In fact, no one’s quite sure how long it’s been there or what it might still contain. What you do know is that it doesn’t fit into your plans, and leaving it in place could expose you to safety, environmental, or regulatory risks.
Now you’re faced with a critical question: Who do you hire to remove it — and how do you know they’re qualified?
Above ground fuel tank removal is a job that involves more than just heavy lifting. From hazardous waste handling to permitting and documentation, this is a task that calls for specialized skills and serious attention to detail.
To help you navigate the process, here are some frequently asked questions — and the answers you need before choosing a contractor.
Why Can’t My Regular Maintenance Crew Remove the Tank?
While your in-house maintenance team may be highly skilled at handling day-to-day operations, above ground fuel tank removal is far more complex than standard facility work.
These tanks often contain residual fuel, flammable vapors, and sludge that can pose serious hazards if not handled correctly. Removal also involves navigating local, state, and federal regulations – many of which classify this as hazardous work requiring specific training and certifications.
Hazardous waste disposal contractors that offer professional tank removal services bring not only technical expertise but also specialized equipment like vapor recovery systems, spill containment barriers, and spark-resistant tools.
They follow strict safety protocols and are trained in confined space entry, hazardous waste disposal, and emergency spill response.
Attempting to remove a fuel tank without this knowledge and equipment isn’t just risky. It could lead to regulatory violations, environmental damage, or workplace injuries. In short, this is a job where experience and compliance matter.
How Long Does the Tank Removal Process Take?
The duration of an above ground fuel tank removal can vary based on several factors, including the tank’s size, condition, contents and location on the property. The process can take anywhere from one day to more than a week from start to finish.
Here’s what that timeline generally includes:
- Site assessment and permitting: Before any work begins, a contractor will inspect the tank, evaluate the surrounding area, and secure any necessary permits.
- Draining and cleaning the above ground tank: All remaining fuel and sludge must be safely removed and transported to a licensed disposal facility.
- Vapor purging: To eliminate the risk of explosion, residual vapors inside the tank are purged using safe, approved methods.
- Physical removal and transport: The tank is carefully dismantled, if needed, and removed from the site using cranes, trucks, or other heavy equipment.
- Site cleanup and final documentation: The area is cleaned, inspected, and restored as needed, with documentation provided to verify compliance and proper disposal.
In some cases — such as tanks located in hard-to-reach areas, near operational infrastructure, or with significant corrosion — additional time and planning may be necessary. To avoid surprises, always request a detailed project timeline when comparing contractors.
What Permits or Regulations Apply to Fuel Tank Removal?
Regulations vary by state and municipality, but in general, fuel tank removal must comply with:
- EPA rules under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements
- Fire codes and OSHA standards
- Local permits for hazardous waste handling or site modifications
A reputable contractor will handle all required documentation, permitting, and post-removal reporting — ensuring you remain in compliance at every step.
What Happens to the Old Fuel and Tank Materials?
Once the tank is taken out of service, any remaining fuel is safely pumped out and transported to a certified hazardous waste facility for proper disposal or recycling.
If sludge has built up inside the fuel tank — often a mix of fuel residue, water, and sediment — it may be classified as hazardous waste and must be handled under strict environmental guidelines.
After the tank is emptied and cleaned, it’s typically dismantled on-site. Depending on its condition and composition, the tank may be cut up for recycling or transported whole to an approved disposal facility.
Any components that can’t be reused or recycled, such as heavily corroded steel or contaminated parts, are disposed of according to local and state regulations.
A reputable tank removal company will document every step of the process, providing waste manifests, disposal receipts, and closure reports.
What Should I Look for in a Fuel Tank Removal Company?
Above ground tank removal isn’t just a construction project. It’s a regulated activity involving hazardous materials, fire risks, and environmental liabilities.
That’s why choosing the right contractor is critical to protecting your site, your team, and your bottom line.
Start by looking for a company that is fully licensed and certified to handle hazardous waste. This is essential, since residual fuel, sludge, and contaminated tank components are often classified as hazardous and must be managed according to strict federal and state regulations.
Working with an unqualified contractor not only increases the risk of improper handling but could also leave your business liable for violations or cleanup costs.
The right company should also offer:
- Licensing and certifications for hazardous waste transportation and disposal
- Pollution liability insurance to cover environmental accidents or spills
- Experience with industrial or commercial fuel tanks, including tanks of similar size and complexity
- Trained personnel with OSHA certifications and up-to-date safety practices
- Complete documentation, including waste manifests, disposal receipts, and closure certificates
As an added benefit, choose a contractor that also offers site cleanup and remediation services. If contamination is discovered during or after removal, having a partner who can assess and manage cleanup can save time, reduce liability, and simplify project coordination.
Ultimately, you want a partner who understands both the technical and regulatory demands of fuel tank removal, as well as one who can ensure the job is done safely, legally, and thoroughly.
You’ve just acquired a commercial property. Maybe it was once a trucking terminal, a small industrial plant, or a municipal service yard.