INTERCEPTOR WASTE DISPOSAL

Interceptors are designed to allow only water to drain from the outlet, trapping pollutants such as fuel oil and solids within the confines of the interceptor. The accumulation of oil, silt, debris and other miscellaneous contaminants within an interceptor increases the risk of forecourt flooding and pollutants contaminating sewage systems or watercourses.

The specific guidelines provided by the Environment Agency: Pollution Prevention Guidelines 3 (PPG 3) details how your interceptor should be maintained. PPG 3 suggests that a 6 monthly schedule should be in place to:

  • Physically inspect the integrity of the interceptor and all mechanical parts
  • Assess the depth of accumulated oil and silt
  • Service all electrical equipment such as alarms and interceptor management systems
  • Check the condition of any coalescing device and replace it if necessary
  • Keep a detailed log of when the separator is inspected, maintained, emptied and serviced.

Observe Solutions assist our customers in meeting these requirements by implementing a regular interceptor service schedule to ensure your interceptor is in good working order and oil and solids are kept to a minimum. The service will not only ensure the guidelines are followed but will also you to budget for accurate maintenance costs.

Why is managing Interceptor Waste important?

Proper interceptor waste disposal is essential for preventing harmful oils, fuels, chemicals and contaminants from entering local drains and watercourses. Our fully licensed team provides reliable interceptor cleaning, emptying and waste removal services for commercial sites, garages, forecourts, workshops and industrial facilities. Using specialist vacuum tanker equipment, we safely collect and transport interceptor waste for compliant treatment and disposal, helping businesses meet environmental regulations and avoid costly fines. For scheduled maintenance or emergency call-outs, our interceptor waste disposal service ensures your drainage systems remain clean, efficient and fully compliant.

Managing interceptor waste doesn’t need to be complicated. We streamline the entire process from collection to compliant disposal. With extensive industry experience, we safely remove and transport both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids, including sewage, oily water, concrete slurry and groundwater. Our trained operatives use powerful vacuum tankers and specialist pumping equipment for tasks such as dewatering, interceptor cleaning, gully clearing and pond maintenance. For stubborn blockages like fatbergs, our high-pressure water jetting systems break down waste quickly, safely and efficiently. Every project is supported by detailed Risk and Method Statements (RAMS), and all waste is treated at licensed facilities under the correct EWC codes to ensure full environmental compliance and peace of mind.

Fuel and oil interceptors are commonly installed in areas where vehicles or machinery may leak contaminants onto the ground, such as petrol station forecourts, car parks, garages, distribution depots, factories and vehicle wash bays. Although often overlooked, they play a crucial role by separating oils and fuels from wastewater on your site, preventing pollution from entering the drainage network. To minimise blockages, reduce contamination risks and protect the environment, the Environment Agency recommends clearing interceptors every six months. We provide routine, hassle-free interceptor emptying services to keep you fully compliant and reduce downtime.

Regular interceptor maintenance ensures these vital oil-water separation systems operate efficiently and remain free from litter, grit, silt and other debris. Our skilled operatives use specialised de-watering vacuum vehicles that separate oil and silt from captured water, returning the treated grey water safely back into the interceptor. This process is both environmentally responsible and more cost-effective, helping your site run safely and sustainably.

How we can help

Observe Solutions provides a complete interceptor waste management service across Essex, London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent, supporting commercial, industrial and automotive sites of all sizes. Our fully trained operatives handle everything from scheduled interceptor emptying and cleaning to emergency call-outs, using specialist vacuum tankers and high-pressure jetting equipment to keep your systems flowing safely and efficiently. We ensure all waste is removed, transported and processed through licensed facilities, providing full compliance documentation for your peace of mind. With reliable response times, environmentally responsible methods and competitive pricing, Observe Solutions makes managing your interceptor waste simple, sustainable and hassle-free across the South East.

Get a Fast Quote

Need interceptor waste services? Call 01277 373 772 or click here to submit a support request. We’re ready for emergency support or scheduled maintenance.