Universal Tankers provides nationwide commercial liquid waste disposal services for businesses requiring reliable collection and removal of non-hazardous liquid waste. From industrial wastewater and grease trap waste to sewage, site welfare waste and floodwater, our specialist tanker fleet supports the requirements of commercial, industrial and construction operations.
Liquid waste disposal is heavily regulated to protect the environment. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and applicable waste management legislation, businesses have responsibilities for the classification, storage, transfer and disposal of their waste. Failure to meet these obligations can result in environmental contamination, which leads to enforcement action and financial penalties.
With more than 20 years of industry experience and 20 depots across England and Scotland, Universal Tankers helps commercial customers meet their waste management obligations through appropriate collection, transport and disposal arrangements. We provide one-off, scheduled and emergency liquid waste removal, with seven day availability nationwide.
Whether your business requires regular collections to maintain wastewater storage capacity or urgent removal following an unexpected increase in waste volumes, our team can arrange a suitable tanker and collection schedule. Our flexible services help businesses manage compliance requirements, minimise operational disruption and optimise their wastewater management processes.
Contact Universal Tankers to discuss your liquid waste disposal requirements and request a quotation.
Universal Tankers provides liquid waste disposal services for a wide range of commercial, industrial and domestic wastewater streams. From grease trap waste and sewage to industrial process effluent and liquid food waste, our specialist vacuum tankers support the safe collection and transport of non-hazardous liquid waste.
The appropriate collection arrangements depend on the waste type, volume, storage conditions and site access. We provide one-off collections, scheduled servicing and emergency liquid waste removal to accommodate different operational requirements.
Commercial kitchens, restaurants, hotels and food preparation facilities generate fats, oils and grease (FOG) during cooking, cleaning and food production. These materials must be collected in grease traps alongside food particles, wastewater and other residues, to prevent them from entering the drainage system.
Without regular removal, grease trap contents can create drainage blockages, produce unpleasant odours and disrupt kitchen operations.
Our grease trap emptying service provides scheduled or one-off collection of suitable grease trap waste. We can arrange servicing around your kitchen's operating hours, grease trap capacity and waste accumulation rates to support ongoing maintenance and responsible disposal.
Construction sites, temporary accommodation, industrial facilities and public events often rely on welfare units with wastewater holding tanks that require regular emptying.
These facilities generate grey water from sinks and washing areas, alongside black water from toilets. Where facilities are not connected to mains drainage, wastewater must be stored and collected before holding tanks reach capacity.
Our welfare servicing service supports the collection of wastewater and toilet waste from welfare units, portable facilities and storage tanks. We can arrange regular collections based on workforce numbers, facility usage and available storage capacity, alongside additional collections during periods of increased demand.
Elsan waste refers to toilet waste collected in portable sanitation systems and designated holding tanks, commonly used at campsites, caravan parks, events and temporary facilities.
This waste can contain sewage, flushing water and chemical toilet additives, meaning its composition must be considered when arranging collection and disposal.
Our Elsan waste disposal service supports the removal of suitable waste from designated storage systems. We can arrange one-off or scheduled collections to accommodate visitor numbers, seasonal demand and available tank capacity, helping operators maintain functional sanitation facilities.
Manufacturing facilities, factories and industrial operations generate wastewater through production processes, equipment cleaning, cooling activities and general site maintenance.
The composition of industrial wastewater varies depending on the materials, chemicals and processes involved. Some waste streams are non-hazardous, while others contain substances that require hazardous waste classification and specialist disposal arrangements.
Universal Tankers collects suitable non-hazardous industrial wastewater and process effluent using specialist tankers. We can discuss waste characteristics, collection volumes and storage arrangements to provide scheduled servicing or one-off collections during maintenance, production changes or periods of increased wastewater generation.
Food manufacturers, breweries, dairies and other food production facilities generate liquid waste containing organic matter, product residues, cleaning water and suspended solids.
Examples include surplus liquid ingredients, production wash water and suitable wastewater generated during food and beverage processing. These waste streams may require off-site collection when they cannot be discharged into public sewers or when on-site treatment and storage capacity is insufficient.
Our liquid food waste collection services support regular production schedules, equipment cleaning and seasonal increases in output. We can arrange collections according to the type and volume of waste produced, helping facilities manage wastewater storage without disrupting operations.
Commercial and industrial premises use interceptors to capture oils, sediment, sludge and other materials before wastewater enters drainage systems.
Over time, these materials accumulate and reduce the interceptor's available capacity. Without appropriate servicing, this can affect the system's performance and increase the risk of contaminants entering downstream drainage infrastructure.
Interceptor waste may contain water, suspended solids, oils and other substances that require assessment before disposal. Universal Tankers can collect suitable non-hazardous interceptor waste, with tanker arrangements based on the waste composition, interceptor capacity and site access.
Commercial premises and domestic properties without access to mains sewerage may rely on septic tanks, cesspits or sewage treatment plants to manage wastewater.
These systems collect or treat sewage and wastewater generated by toilets, kitchens, bathrooms and other facilities. Over time, sludge and other waste materials accumulate, requiring appropriate emptying and maintenance.
Our septic tank emptying service provides planned and urgent collections for commercial and domestic properties. We can arrange one-off emptying or regular servicing based on tank capacity, property usage and system requirements, including collections from suitable rural and hard-to-reach locations.
Whether your business generates wastewater daily or requires occasional liquid waste removal, Universal Tankers can assess your waste type, storage capacity and collection requirements to arrange an appropriate disposal service.
Alongside routine liquid waste collection, Universal Tankers provides services for specific site conditions, wastewater systems and operational requirements.
Heavy rainfall, drainage failures and flooding can leave standing water in commercial premises, construction sites and industrial facilities.
Our flood management services support the removal of floodwater and accumulated wastewater using specialist vacuum tankers.
Collections can form part of an emergency response or planned site recovery programme, subject to the water's composition and access conditions.
Drainage systems can accumulate grease, sediment, sludge and other materials that restrict wastewater flow.
Our drain jetting service supports the removal of suitable deposits and blockages from commercial drainage systems.
Where required, tanker-based waste collection complements drainage cleaning by removing accumulated liquid waste and debris.
Leachate is liquid that has passed through waste material and may contain dissolved or suspended contaminants.
Leachate management is a specialist requirement rather than a core Universal Tankers service. We can discuss leachate collection requirements and assess whether the waste is appropriate for our tanker collection capabilities.
Waste classification and disposal arrangements must be confirmed before collection.
Hydrostatic testing uses water to test the strength or integrity of equipment, pipelines and other systems.
Although hydrostatic testing is not itself a liquid waste disposal method, Universal Tankers can support suitable projects through bulk water delivery and subsequent wastewater collection for hydrostatic testing.
The water used during testing may require assessment before removal, particularly where it has come into contact with process residues or other contaminants.
Universal Tankers provides specialist liquid waste collection and disposal services for commercial, industrial and construction customers throughout the UK. Whether you require routine wastewater collections, one-off tank emptying or urgent liquid waste removal, our experienced team can arrange a service around your operational requirements.
Our customers benefit from:
From managing regular wastewater volumes to responding to unexpected collection requirements, Universal Tankers provides flexible liquid waste disposal services that accommodate your site's storage capacity, access restrictions and operating schedule. Our team can assess your waste type, collection frequency and disposal requirements to arrange a suitable tanker service.
Our liquid waste disposal process is designed around the type of waste being collected, available storage capacity and the operational requirements of each site. From the initial enquiry through to collection and disposal, our team coordinates the appropriate tanker arrangements to provide an efficient service with minimal disruption to your operations.
Contact our team with details of the liquid waste you need removing, the estimated volume, collection location and preferred collection date.
We may also request information about the waste's source, composition, classification and storage arrangements to establish whether it is suitable for collection. This helps us identify the appropriate equipment, disposal arrangements and any documentation required before collection.
Once we understand your requirements, we will discuss vehicle access, collection points, hose lengths and any restrictions that could affect the service.
Our modern vacuum tanker fleet supports collections from a range of tanks, interceptors, drainage systems and commercial wastewater storage facilities.
For sites with limited access, narrow routes or remote collection points, our team can assess whether specialist equipment, including our Univore tanker, would be appropriate. We will also coordinate a collection time that accommodates your site's operating hours and access arrangements.
Our tanker operators attend your site at the agreed time and use the appropriate equipment to remove the liquid waste from its storage system or collection point.
The collected waste is then transported to a suitably authorised receiving facility. Collection and transport arrangements take account of the waste classification, applicable environmental regulations and relevant documentation requirements, including waste transfer notes where required.
Once the liquid waste reaches an authorised receiving facility, it is directed to an appropriate treatment, recovery or disposal process based on its composition and classification.
Wastewater treatment involves screening, biological treatment, physical-chemical processes and disinfection. Depending on the waste stream, the receiving facility may also use sedimentation to separate suspended solids from wastewater. Sedimentation separates solids from liquid waste using gravity.
Properly treated wastewater can reduce public health risks and organic loads on aquatic ecosystems. The receiving facility manages treatment and disposal processes in accordance with its environmental permissions and applicable waste management requirements.
For businesses generating liquid waste regularly, Universal Tankers can arrange a recurring collection schedule based on wastewater production, tank capacity and operational demand.
Scheduled servicing helps businesses maintain available storage capacity, reduce the risk of tanks becoming full and avoid arranging individual collections each time waste accumulates.
Collection frequencies can also be adjusted to accommodate seasonal demand, changes in production or increased site activity.
Whether you require a one-off collection, emergency liquid waste removal or an ongoing waste management schedule, Universal Tankers will coordinate a service around your site's requirements.
Different sectors generate different types of liquid waste, requiring collection arrangements that reflect their operating schedules, wastewater volumes and storage facilities.
Universal Tankers works with commercial and industrial customers requiring reliable, ongoing wastewater collection as well as one-off disposal services. Our flexible collection schedules help businesses manage wastewater levels, maintain operational efficiency and meet their waste disposal responsibilities.
Construction projects generate welfare waste, wash water, accumulated surface water and wastewater from site activities, including equipment cleaning and temporary sanitation facilities.
Our construction liquid waste services support planned collections, temporary facilities and emergency wastewater removal throughout different project stages. We can arrange regular servicing based on workforce numbers, site activity and available wastewater storage capacity.
Hospitality liquid waste management often involves grease trap waste, kitchen wastewater and sewage from commercial facilities.
Restaurants, hotels, catering premises and other hospitality businesses can arrange scheduled collections around trading patterns, kitchen activity and storage capacity. Our services help businesses manage FOG accumulation, reduce the risk of drainage blockages and maintain suitable waste disposal arrangements.
Liquid waste management for food production may involve organic residues, cleaning water, liquid by-products and process effluent generated during manufacturing operations.
We support suitable non-hazardous wastewater collections from food processing facilities, dairies and other manufacturing premises. Collections can be scheduled around production volumes, equipment cleaning cycles and periods of increased wastewater generation, helping businesses maintain available storage capacity.
Breweries and distilleries generate wastewater throughout the production process, including through equipment cleaning, vessel washing, fermentation and packaging operations. This wastewater can contain organic matter, yeast residues, sugars, alcohol and cleaning chemicals, which affect its composition and disposal requirements.
Where brewery wastewater cannot be discharged into public sewers under the applicable trade effluent consent conditions, it will require off-site collection and treatment.
Universal Tankers provides suitable non-hazardous wastewater collection services for breweries and distilleries, helping operators manage effluent volumes, maintain wastewater storage capacity and arrange appropriate disposal. We can provide regular collections around brewing schedules or additional tanker services during production peaks, maintenance and cleaning operations.
Liquid waste management for events can involve sewage from temporary toilets, welfare units, catering facilities and wastewater holding tanks.
Our scheduled collection services support event organisers managing wastewater during setup, operation and site clearance. We can arrange collections according to visitor numbers, event duration and available tank capacity, alongside additional servicing when wastewater volumes increase.
Whether your business requires regular wastewater collections or support with an unexpected increase in liquid waste, Universal Tankers can arrange a service around your operational requirements.
For further sector-specific information, explore our commercial waste disposal services.
Universal Tankers provides nationwide liquid waste disposal through our network of 20 depots across England and Scotland.
This connected network supports customers across England, Scotland and Wales, including businesses with multiple operating locations.
We provide flexible collection schedules for customers with recurring requirements, alongside one-off and emergency services.
Our nationwide service allows businesses to arrange liquid waste collections when storage capacity, operational demand or unexpected circumstances require additional support.
Businesses have legal responsibilities for the waste they produce, store, transfer and dispose of.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and applicable waste management legislation, waste producers must take appropriate steps to prevent unlawful disposal and transfer waste to authorised parties.
Relevant responsibilities include:
Improper liquid waste disposal can contaminate land and water sources, damage drainage infrastructure and result in enforcement action or financial penalties. Improper liquid waste disposal can kill marine organisms.
Inadequately treated industrial discharge introduces persistent pollutants into food chains and ecosystems. This is why it is important to use a licensed waste carrier like Universal Tankers, which can arrange the safe collection, transportation and appropriate disposal of commercial liquid waste in accordance with relevant regulations.
Liquid waste is classified according to its composition and the substances it contains.
Non-hazardous liquid waste includes any sewage, grey water and food production effluent that do not meet hazardous waste criteria.
Hazardous liquid waste may contain chemicals, contaminated oils or other substances requiring additional handling and disposal controls.
Industrial wastewater can fall into either category depending on its composition. Businesses should refer to the WM3 guidance to determine the correct classification and waste code.
Universal Tankers can assess your collection requirements and confirm whether your liquid waste falls within our services.
Liquid waste disposal costs depend on several factors, including the type of waste, volume, collection frequency, location and site access.
Waste composition and classification can also affect the treatment or disposal route and associated charges.
For businesses requiring regular collections, a scheduled service provides a more predictable approach to wastewater management.
To obtain a quotation, provide our team with details of the waste stream, estimated quantity, storage system and required collection date.
Liquid waste includes wastewater, sewage, oils, grease trap contents, liquid food residues, sludge and other waste materials that are wholly or partly liquid. The appropriate disposal arrangements depend on the waste's composition and classification.
Universal Tankers specialises in non-hazardous liquid waste collection. Some industrial wastewater and other liquid waste streams may contain hazardous substances, so their classification must be established before collection arrangements are confirmed.
Yes. Universal Tankers provides scheduled liquid waste collection services for businesses with recurring wastewater requirements. Collection frequency can be arranged around waste volumes, storage capacity and operational schedules.
Non-hazardous waste transfers generally require appropriate waste transfer documentation, subject to the applicable legal requirements and exemptions. Hazardous waste is subject to separate consignment procedures. Businesses must also retain relevant records as required by law.
Universal Tankers offers a fast turnaround service nationwide and also provides emergency and scheduled collections. Contact our team with your location, waste type and collection requirements to discuss arrangements.
If you require a quote or have a general enquiry about our services, please complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, call one of our experienced staff on 0800 180 4474 or, from Scotland, 01236 434422.

Our strategically located depots across the UK ensure that no matter where you are, our high-quality water delivery & wastewater services are just a call away. Our teams are equipped and ready to provide swift and efficient service.
Call us free on 0800 180 4474 or 01236 434422 from Scotland