Petrol, diesel and oil are some of the most common hazardous substances we encounter. They fuel our vehicles, homes and businesses. When used and handled properly they help us, but if they are stored, handled or disposed of inappropriately, they can be a hazard to our health and our environment.
Unlabelled or badly stored fuels and oil could be mistaken for drinks or toys by small children and pets. Badly stored and disposed of fuels and oil can contaminate our soils, air and water. In Canterbury, large quantities of water are taken from rivers and groundwater for use as drinking water or for irrigation. Contamination can make the water unfit for these purposes.
Oil is one of the most common causes of water pollution. Because of the way it spreads in water, even a small quantity can cause a lot of harm. One litre of oil can cover 100 m2 of water. Oil forms a film on the surface which can reduce the level of oxygen in the water, making it difficult for fish to breathe. It can also coat plants and animals that come into contact with it.
At home
Storage
Many households store a small amount of oil, petrol or diesel at home. To prevent oil or fuels getting into waterways it is important to store them away from a water way or bore, under cover and on an impervious surface. The best place is often in the garage or a shed with a floor. If you store more than 1000 l of fuels and oil at home, you will also need to meet some other requirements. Please see our farming/business information or contact Environment Canterbury customer services for more information.
Follow these simple storage tips for petrol and diesel at home:
- Petrol and diesel are flammable. Store them away from sources of ignition such as electrical sparks, sparks from tools and naked flames.
- Store them away from drains.
- Don’t store in unmarked containers drink bottles or food containers.
- Make sure containers are clearly and correctly labelled
- Check containers regularly to ensure that they aren’t leaking.
- Only store what you need to use.
- When you drain your engine oil put a drip pan beneath the vehicles oil pan.
- If you spill oil or fuel, stop it from entering drains by absorbing it with rags, sand or sawdust.
- Never hose it down a drain.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- If you have oil fired heating, ensure that your oil tank and pipes are properly installed and regularly checked for leaks.
Use and disposal
Avoid getting oil, petrol or diesel on your skin as this can cause rashes/dermatitis. If you do have skin contact, wash with soap. Inhaling vapours should be avoided.
Oil, petrol and diesel can be disposed of at a domestic hazardous waste drop off point. These are located at transfer stations/ resource recovery parks around Canterbury and disposal is usually free for domestic quantities (up to 20 l or 20 kg)
You can find out more about changing your oil, and disposing of waste oil on the used oil page.