Waste transformer oil, handled properly
Transformers, switchgear and other electrical equipment are filled with insulating oil. When that oil is drained during maintenance, replacement or decommissioning, it becomes waste transformer oil, and it has to be disposed of legally.
BL Oils is a Doncaster-based, Environment Agency upper-tier waste carrier and dealer (CBDU69834). We collect waste oil across all of Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, and for transformer oil we work alongside a specialist partner company in the electrical and power sector. Between us, your oil goes down the right route with the correct paperwork.
Working with a specialist partner. Transformer oil can need specialist knowledge, especially where older equipment is involved. Our partner specialises in this sector, and BL Oils provides the licensed collection and paperwork. Tell us about your equipment and we’ll agree the right approach with you.
Who we help
- Electrical contractors and engineers carrying out transformer maintenance or replacement
- Industrial sites, factories and commercial buildings with their own transformers or switchgear
- Solar farm, battery storage and other energy sites
- Facilities managers decommissioning old electrical plant
We don’t collect cooking oil. For used cooking oil from kitchens and takeaways, please use a specialist cooking oil collector.
Tell us about the oil
The type of equipment, its age, roughly how much oil there is, any test results you have, and your postcode.
Agree the right route
We check the details, involve our specialist partner where needed, and give you a free, no-obligation quote.
Collected with paperwork
The oil is collected with the correct paperwork and goes to a suitably permitted facility.
Types of transformer oil
Most transformers use mineral insulating oil. Some newer equipment uses synthetic or natural ester fluids, chosen for higher fire safety or biodegradability. Tell us which type you have, if you know, as it affects how the oil is handled and where it goes.
PCBs: why testing comes first
Some older transformers and electrical equipment were filled with oil containing PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), or have become contaminated with them. PCBs are harmful and persistent, and PCB-contaminated oil is subject to strict rules. It can’t be handled like ordinary waste oil.
That’s why transformer oil is normally tested for PCBs before it’s collected. If you have a recent test result, send it with your enquiry. If you don’t know whether your oil has been tested, tell us. Where PCBs are present or suspected, the oil goes through the specialist route with our partner, not through ordinary waste oil collection.
What happens to transformer oil
Across the industry, uncontaminated transformer oil can often be treated and reused. Some is reconditioned or regenerated by specialist contractors, and some is recovered alongside other waste oils. The right route depends on the oil’s condition and test results. BL Oils doesn’t carry out on-site filtration or regeneration; we provide licensed collection and work with our partner where specialist treatment is needed. Read more about waste oil recycling.
Your duty of care
Waste transformer oil is hazardous waste. As the business producing it, you’re responsible for making sure it goes to someone authorised to take it, and for keeping your paperwork, normally a hazardous waste consignment note. See waste oil disposal and compliance & licence.
Keeping it safe until collection
- Store drained oil in sealed, labelled containers or a bunded tank
- Keep transformer oil separate from other waste oils
- Don’t mix it with water, solvents or other liquids
- Keep any test results with the containers
Frequently asked questions
Do you collect transformer oil?
Yes. We collect waste transformer oil across all of Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, working alongside a specialist partner in the sector. Call or WhatsApp 07785 921493 for a free quote.
Does transformer oil need testing before collection?
Usually, yes. Transformer oil, especially from older equipment, is normally tested for PCBs before collection so it can go down the right route. Send any test results you have with your enquiry.
What if the oil contains PCBs?
PCB-contaminated oil is subject to strict rules and must go through a specialist route. Tell us what you know and we’ll arrange the right approach with our specialist partner.
Can transformer oil be recycled?
Often, yes. Depending on its condition and test results, transformer oil can be reconditioned, regenerated or recovered by specialist facilities. See waste oil recycling.
Do you do on-site oil filtration?
No. BL Oils provides licensed collection and disposal. For specialist treatment we work with our partner in the sector.
BL Oils is based in Doncaster and collects across all of Yorkshire, plus Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire (areas we cover). Call or WhatsApp 07785 921493, or ask for a free quote.