Why Bunded Oil Tanks Are Better for the Environment (and Your Property)

If you store heating oil at home or on a commercial site, your tank plays a huge role in protecting the environment. One of the most common questions people ask is: are bunded oil tanks really necessary, or are they just a regulation?

The truth is that bunded oil tanks are one of the most effective ways to prevent oil pollution, protect groundwater, and reduce the risk of expensive clean-ups. As environmental standards tighten across the UK, understanding the benefits of bunded tanks compared to older single skin models is more important than ever.

This guide explains how bunded tanks work, why they’re considered safer, and how they help meet modern oil storage regulations in the UK.

What Is a Bunded Oil Tank?

A bunded oil tank has two layers:

• An inner tank that holds the oil

• An outer tank (the bund) that surrounds it

If the inner tank develops a leak, the outer bund is designed to contain the oil and prevent it from escaping into the environment. This double-skin design is the key reason bunded tanks are considered the safer option.

For a clear explanation of how bunded heating oil tanks work, this guide from LV Fuel Services breaks down the design and purpose:
https://www.lvfuelservices.co.uk/understanding-bunded-heating-oil-tanks/

The Environmental Risk of Single Skin Oil Tanks

Older single skin oil tanks only have one wall. If that wall cracks, splits, or corrodes, oil can leak directly into the ground.

This creates serious environmental risks:

Soil contamination
Heating oil can soak into the soil, killing plants and affecting local ecosystems. Contaminated soil often has to be professionally removed, which can be extremely costly.

Water pollution
Oil can reach groundwater, streams, or drains. Even small leaks can cause significant damage and may affect drinking water sources.

Legal and financial consequences
Under UK environmental rules, property owners are responsible for preventing pollution. Clean-up costs and potential fines can run into thousands of pounds.

Because of these risks, single skin tanks are increasingly being replaced with bunded oil storage tanks that offer an extra layer of protection.

How Bunded Oil Tanks Protect the Environment

Switching to a bunded oil tank dramatically reduces the chance of pollution.

Secondary containment
If the inner tank fails, the outer bund holds the oil safely, giving you time to detect the issue and arrange repairs before contamination occurs.

Lower risk of major spills
Accidental overfilling or equipment failure is far less likely to result in oil reaching the ground when a bund is present.

Better long-term protection
Modern bunded tanks are built to higher standards, with stronger materials and improved fittings, reducing the risk of deterioration over time.

This is why bunded tanks are widely seen as the environmentally responsible choice for domestic and commercial oil storage.

Are Bunded Oil Tanks Compulsory in the UK?

In many situations, yes. Current guidance and regulations often require bunded oil tanks where there is a higher pollution risk, such as near drains, watercourses, or buildings.

Rules can vary depending on tank size, location, and whether the installation is domestic or commercial. That’s why it’s important to understand your responsibilities before installing or replacing a tank.

This article from Certas Energy explains when a bunded tank may be compulsory and why regulators favour them:
https://certasenergy.co.uk/news/certas-energy-news/what-is-a-bunded-oil-tank-is-it-compulsory-for-your-home/

Even when not strictly required, many homeowners choose bunded tanks for the added peace of mind and environmental protection.

Extra Benefits of Bunded Oil Tanks

Beyond environmental safety, bunded tanks offer several practical advantages:

Improved property protection
Containing a leak within the bund helps protect driveways, gardens, and nearby structures from oil damage.

Reduced financial risk
The cost of a bunded tank is often far lower than the potential cost of cleaning up an oil spill or dealing with environmental claims.

Future-proof compliance
As environmental standards continue to tighten, installing a bunded tank now can help avoid issues later if regulations change.

Choosing the Right Oil Tank

If your current tank is ageing, damaged, or single skin, upgrading to a modern bunded oil tank is one of the best steps you can take for environmental safety.

You can explore a full range of domestic oil tanks here:
https://www.oiltanksupermarket.co.uk/product-category/oil-tanks/

If you specifically want the added protection of double-skinned models, browse the bunded oil tank range here:
https://www.oiltanksupermarket.co.uk/product-category/bunded-oil-tanks/

Final Thoughts

Bunded oil tanks are not just about meeting regulations. They are about preventing pollution, protecting your property, and reducing the risk of costly clean-ups. With their double-layer design, they provide a vital safeguard against leaks that could otherwise cause serious soil and water contamination.

Choosing a bunded oil tank is a practical step towards safer, more environmentally responsible heating oil storage — and one that more UK property owners are now making as standard.