Smarter waste oil management: Mobile units, tanks & skids explained
Proper waste oil management is no longer just a regulatory requirement – it is a critical element of environmental responsibility, workplace safety and operational efficiency. Whether you are running a garage, workshop or industrial facility, handling used oil in the right way helps protect the environment, prevents costly spills, and ensures compliance with legislation.
In this article, we explore three practical solutions that make waste oil collection and storage safer and more efficient: mobile suction units, outdoor waste oil tanks, and used oil skids. We also highlight how to choose the right option for your operations.
Why waste oil management matters
Waste oil is classed as hazardous material. If mishandled, it can:
- Contaminate soil and waterways
- Cause health risks to employees
- Lead to fines or shutdowns due to non-compliance
By investing in the right equipment, businesses can streamline collection, storage and disposal, ensuring both safety and sustainability.
Mobile waste oil suction units: Flexible collection on the move
Part number: DL-PIF50000B
A mobile waste oil suction unit is designed to make the collection of used oil fast, clean and efficient. Mounted on a sturdy trolley, it can be moved easily across the workshop floor, reducing the need for manual lifting or messy transfer methods.
Key benefits:
- Mobility for use across multiple service bays
- Cleaner extraction using suction rather than gravity drainage
- Minimised risk of spills and burns
- Quick emptying into larger storage tanks
Use case example: A busy automotive garage with limited space benefits from a mobile unit, as it allows technicians to collect oil directly at the service bay without moving vehicles to a designated draining station.
Outdoor waste oil tanks: Safe and compliant storage
Part number: PE-KS00281W, PE-KS00282W, PE-KS00283W, PE-KS00284W
For larger volumes of used oil, outdoor storage tanks are a reliable solution. Options such as MDPE double-wall tanks with funnels offer durability and compliance with environmental standards.
Advantages include:
- Double-wall construction for leak prevention
- Weather-resistant design for outdoor installation
- Funnels that simplify direct pouring of used oil
- Capacities ranging from hundreds to thousands of litres
Pro tip: Always check local regulations on secondary containment. Double-wall tanks often meet these requirements, reducing the risk of costly upgrades later.
Oil skids: Streamlined disposal at scale
Part number: OS-894400 (120 Gallon), OS-894401 (240 Gallon)
For industrial environments or facilities handling high volumes of lubricants, used oil skids are a game-changer. These integrated systems combine collection, pumping and secure storage, making bulk oil management highly efficient.
What makes oil skids stand out:
- Large storage capacity suited for factories or fleets
- Integrated pumps for safe transfer to disposal trucks
- Reduced downtime thanks to centralised collection
- Long-term cost savings compared to smaller units
Example scenario: A logistics hub managing hundreds of vehicles can rely on a skid system to centralise oil disposal, cutting labour time and reducing spill risks.
Choosing the right solution
When deciding between a mobile suction unit, an outdoor tank or a skid system, consider:
- Volume of waste oil generated – small workshops may only need mobile units, while industrial sites benefit from skids.
- Available space – compact workshops often prefer mobile trolleys, whereas larger sites can dedicate outdoor areas to tanks.
- Regulatory compliance – check local environmental laws on storage and secondary containment.
- Budget and scalability – investing in scalable systems pays off in the long run.
Effective waste oil management is about more than avoiding fines – it is about running a safer, greener and more efficient operation. From mobile suction units to outdoor tanks and industrial skids, there is a solution to match every scale of business. By selecting the right system today, you safeguard your operations for tomorrow.
If you are looking to upgrade your waste oil handling processes, explore specialist suppliers or get in touch with an expert to find the best fit for your facility.