What’s a Bunded Tank and Why Might You Need One?
If you store oil, fuel, or chemicals at home, on a farm, or for your business, keeping them safe is extremely important. Leaks and spills can harm the environment, damage property, and lead to costly clean-ups. That’s why you need a strong, reliable storage tank that won’t leak or cause problems — and this is exactly where a bunded tank becomes the smart choice.
A bunded tank offers extra protection by having two layers — helping to prevent accidents and ensuring safe storage even if something goes wrong with the inner tank. Whether you’re storing heating oil for your home, diesel for farm machinery, or fuel for generators, a bunded tank provides peace of mind and helps you stay compliant with safety rules.
In this easy-to-understand guide, we’ll explain exactly what a bunded tank is, how it works, and why it’s often required or highly recommended. We’ll also look at different types of bunded tanks — including plastic, steel, slimline, and low profile bunded oil tanks — so you can choose the right one that fits your space, budget, and needs.
What Is a Bunded Tank?
A bunded tank is a tank that has two layers — an inner tank and an outer tank. The inner tank holds the liquid, such as oil or fuel, while the outer tank acts like a safety barrier in case of leaks or spills. Think of it as a tank sitting inside another tank. If the inner tank breaks or leaks, the outer layer — called the bund — catches the liquid and keeps it from escaping into the ground or nearby areas.
This double-layered design gives extra protection and is much safer than single-skin tanks. That’s why bunded tanks are often required by environmental laws and regulations, especially in places where spills could cause harm to soil, water, or wildlife. Whether you're storing heating oil at home or fuel for machines on a farm, using a bunded tank can prevent costly damage and protect the environment.
Why Might You Need a Bunded Tank?
You might need a bunded tank for many reasons — safety, legal compliance, and protecting your property. Let’s explore why choosing a bunded tank is often the best decision:
1. Prevent Spills and Leaks
No one wants oil or fuel leaking into the ground or near buildings. A bunded tank reduces the risk of this happening because if the inner tank leaks, the outer tank catches the spill. This prevents pollution and expensive cleanup work.
2. Stay Legal
Many government rules require bunded tanks, especially if you’re storing over 200 litres of oil or are near water sources. Failing to follow these rules can lead to heavy fines or penalties. Using a bunded tank shows you’re acting responsibly and following safety standards.
3. Protect Property and Equipment
Oil spills can stain driveways, damage equipment, and even affect nearby plants or buildings. A bunded tank keeps oil securely stored, reducing the risk of accidental damage around your home or business.
4. Peace of Mind
Knowing your oil or fuel is safely stored helps you sleep better. A bunded tank lowers the risk of accidents, fines, or leaks and gives you long-term confidence in your setup.
Whether you’re a homeowner, farmer, or business owner, using a bunded oil tank is a safe and smart move.
What Can You Store in a Bunded Tank?
Bunded tanks can be used to store many different types of liquids. These tanks are designed to keep these liquids safe from leaks, rain, or tampering.
Common liquids stored include:
Heating oil for homes and buildings
Diesel for vehicles and equipment
Waste oil from engines or machinery
Kerosene used in heaters or lighting
Chemicals for farming or industry
Rainwater or greywater for non-drinking purposes (such as irrigation or toilets)
Because of their strong build and leak prevention, bunded tanks are suitable for both homes and large industrial sites. Just make sure the tank you choose is approved for the type of liquid you’re storing.
Types of Bunded Oil Tanks
Let’s now look at the different types of bunded oil tanks available. Each type has its own design, features, and best-use scenario.
1. CBunded Oil Tanks
CBunded Oil Tanks (short for "combined bunded oil tanks") are complete storage solutions. They include both the inner and outer tank and are built with user convenience and safety in mind. These tanks are popular for both home and light commercial use.
Key Benefits:
Double skin protects against spills
Often includes built-in gauges, lids, and secure fittings
Easy to maintain and check oil levels
Suitable for storing heating oil or diesel
They come in various sizes and can be installed outdoors or in sheltered areas. Their all-in-one design makes them a great starting point for people new to oil storage.
2. Plastic Bunded Oil Tanks
Plastic bunded oil tanks are made from durable polyethylene. They’re light, strong, and won’t rust over time, even in rainy or coastal areas. The outer tank protects the inner tank from UV damage and wear.
Pros:
Long-lasting and low maintenance
Resistant to corrosion, algae, and chemicals
Cheaper than steel tanks
Available in many sizes and shapes
Plastic bunded oil tanks are a popular choice for domestic properties and smaller commercial spaces. If you need something lightweight, affordable, and weatherproof, plastic is a great option.
3. Steel Bunded Oil Tanks
Steel bunded oil tanks are the toughest option. They’re built from heavy-duty steel and often used in demanding environments like farms, industrial sites, and transport yards.
Pros:
Extremely strong and secure
Resistant to fire, impact, and vandalism
Suitable for large oil or fuel volumes
Can be painted or coated for extra weather protection
While they’re more expensive and heavier to install, steel bunded oil tanks offer peace of mind for sites that need extra durability. They're especially useful where fuel theft or damage could be a concern.
4. Slimline Bunded Oil Tanks
Slimline bunded oil tanks are designed to fit into narrow or hard-to-reach spaces. They have a tall, thin shape that makes them easy to install along walls or between buildings.
Pros:
Perfect for narrow pathways or side yards
Easy to hide or blend with surroundings
Come in plastic and steel versions
Still provide full bunded protection
Slimline bunded oil tanks are ideal for urban homes, narrow gardens, or properties where space is limited. They don’t take up much room but still offer excellent oil storage capacity.
5. Low Profile Bunded Oil Tanks
Low profile bunded oil tanks are shorter in height but wider in shape. These tanks are great for places where you can’t install a tall tank — such as under windows, decks, or low walls.
Pros:
Easy to access for filling and servicing
Lower visual impact — blends well with garden layouts
More stable due to low centre of gravity
Ideal for residential use
Low profile bunded oil tanks are popular with homeowners who want a discreet solution that doesn’t spoil the view or stand out too much.
How to Choose the Right Bunded Tank
When choosing a bunded tank, ask yourself these questions:
What liquid will you store? Make sure your tank is certified for oil, diesel, chemicals, or water.
How much do you need to store? Tank sizes range from 500 to over 10,000 litres.
Where will it be placed? Consider space, access, sunlight, and how close it is to buildings.
Do you need a plastic or steel tank? Plastic is cheaper and lighter; steel is stronger.
Would slimline or low profile help? Choose based on the shape and space available.
Do you need extras? Some tanks include gauges, locks, filters, or fuel lines.
Spending a little more time choosing the right tank can save you money, hassle, and risk in the long run.
Maintenance Tips for Bunded Tanks
Even though bunded tanks are built for safety, regular checks are still important. Follow these simple tips:
Inspect monthly: Look for cracks, rust, or signs of leaks.
Keep the bund dry: If you see oil or water in the outer tank, find out why and fix the problem.
Clean yearly: Remove leaves, water, or sludge that may collect over time.
Check gauges and fittings: Make sure your tank is not overfilled and connections are tight.
Lock the tank: To prevent theft or tampering, use a secure lock on the lid or access point.
With proper care, your bunded tank can last 15 to 25 years or more, depending on the material and location.
Final Thoughts
A bunded tank is a smart, secure way to store oil, fuel, or other liquids safely and responsibly. It offers double-layer protection, helping you avoid environmental damage, unexpected leaks, and costly cleanups. Bunded tanks are built to meet modern safety standards and give you peace of mind — whether you're a homeowner, farmer, or business operator.
Whether you choose a tough bunded oil tank for durability, a lightweight and rust-proof plastic bunded oil tank, a slimline bunded oil tank to fit narrow spaces, or a low profile bunded oil tank that blends neatly into your property, there’s a reliable solution for every type of need and location. These tanks are designed to match your storage goals, your available space, and your long-term usage.
CBunded oil tanks are particularly useful as an all-in-one, ready-to-use option. They’re ideal for people who want a simple, efficient, and fully compliant tank without needing to add separate components. They’re often pre-fitted with gauges, secure lids, and fittings for hassle-free installation.
With the right tank, regular maintenance, and smart planning, you can enjoy safe and worry-free storage for many years. Whether you're storing heating oil for your home or diesel for your machinery, a bunded tank is an investment in safety, security, and long-term savings.