Why Fuel Tanks With Fluid Are Prohibited At Inland Steel Products
Fuel tanks are common in automotive, agricultural, and industrial scrap loads. From vehicles and semi-trucks to farm equipment and generators, it’s not unusual for customers to remove and bring in old fuel tanks as part of a cleanup.
While many metal components are accepted for recycling, fuel tanks are treated differently depending on their condition.
This article explains why fuel tanks containing fluid are prohibited at Inland Steel Products, outlines what is accepted, and helps you prepare your scrap properly before arriving at one of our facilities.
Purged Fuel Tanks Without Fluid Can Be Accepted
There is one important distinction to understand. Fuel tanks may be accepted only if they have been fully drained and purged, meaning:
- No gasoline, diesel, oil, or other fluid remains inside
- No residual vapours that could ignite
- No sealed pressure or fuel buildup
A purged fuel tank is empty, ventilated, and safe to handle during processing.
Inland Steel Products staff may visually inspect fuel tanks before unloading to confirm they meet safety requirements. If you’re unsure whether your tank has been properly drained and purged, it’s best to speak with a team member before bringing it in.
Why Fuel Tanks With Fluid Are Prohibited
Fuel tanks that still contain gasoline, diesel, oil, or other liquids pose serious safety and environmental risks in a scrap metal facility.
Here’s why they cannot be accepted:
- Fire and Explosion Risk – Even small amounts of fuel or vapour can ignite during cutting, crushing, or processing.
- Environmental Contamination – Leaking fuel can contaminate soil and water systems. Inland Steel Products maintains strict environmental standards, and accepting tanks with fluid would compromise those safeguards.
- Workplace Safety – Residual fluid can spill during unloading or handling, creating slip hazards and unsafe working conditions for both customers and staff.
For these reasons, fuel tanks with any remaining fluid are strictly prohibited at all Inland Steel Products locations.
What Scrap Metal Can Be Recycled at Inland Steel Products
While fuel tanks with fluid are restricted, most common scrap metal items can be recycled when properly prepared and free of prohibited components.
Commonly recycled items include:
- Household appliances such as stoves, washers, dryers, and refrigerators (with required preparation)
- Structural and construction steel
- Water heaters
- Steel pipe, and beams
- Aluminum siding and extrusions
- Copper wire, tubing, and plumbing materials
- Brass fixtures and fittings
Automotive-related scrap commonly accepted includes:
- Dry vehicles
- Engines and transmissions
- Radiators
- Wheels and rims
- Exhaust components
- Brake rotors and brake drums
Want a full breakdown of what we accept? See our What We Buy page.
Why Recycle With Inland Steel Products
Inland Steel Products makes it easy to turn scrap metal into cash. Whether you’re dropping off a small metal load or clearing out a larger site, the focus is on fast service, fair pricing, and friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Here’s how to bring in scrap metal and get paid:
- Eight convenient locations – Drop off your scrap at any Inland Steel Products facility in Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Lloydminster, Swift Current, Bonnyville, and Medicine Hat
- Quick drive-in service – A streamlined weigh-scale process helps get you in and out quickly
- Competitive pricing – Fair market rates with payment made on the spot by cash or cheque
- No load too small or too big – From a handful of scrap metal to full truckloads
- Bin service available – Bin delivery and pickup within 24–48 hours, plus mobile scrap metal cleanup services for large jobs
- Local impact – A portion of proceeds supports community programs across the Prairies
RECYCLE YOUR SCRAP METAL FOR CASH
If you have scrap metal you’d like to recycle for cash contact our team today! We are open Monday to Friday and have eight locations across Western Canada with convenient drive-in and drop-off facilities.
