Leachate Collection in West Sussex
Safe and Compliant Leachate Management for Landfill and Industrial Sites
Steel Drains provides professional leachate collection services across West Sussex and surrounding areas. We handle the safe removal, transport, and licensed disposal of leachate from landfill sites, treatment plants, and industrial facilities, helping you stay fully compliant with UK environmental regulations.
What Is Leachate and Why Must It Be Collected?
Leachate Explained
Leachate is the liquid that drains or ‘leaches’ from waste material, often found in landfill sites or industrial waste storage areas. It can contain harmful substances, including organic compounds, heavy metals, and ammonia, making it a controlled waste under UK environmental law.
Environmental and Legal Risks
If leachate is not properly collected and removed, it can seep into the ground or watercourses, causing serious environmental damage. Uncontrolled leachate discharge may lead to pollution incidents, enforcement action, and significant fines.
Regular collection by a licensed contractor is essential to protect the environment and remain compliant with Environment Agency regulations.
Free no obligation quote!
No job too big or small, simply fill in the form below and we’ll give you a call to discuss your requirements.
Our Leachate Collection Service
Safe Removal, Licensed Transport, and Full Compliance
Steel Drains provides a complete leachate collection service for sites producing contaminated runoff or landfill effluent. We collect leachate safely using vacuum and jet vac tankers, transport it under license, and ensure all waste is handled in line with UK regulations.
Pump-Out and Tankering
Our fleet of vacuum and combination tankers is equipped to remove leachate from holding tanks, sumps, or surface lagoons. We operate efficiently, with minimal disruption to your site, and handle both routine and emergency collections.
Licensed Waste Disposal
All leachate is transported to authorised treatment or disposal facilities. As a fully registered waste carrier, we ensure your waste is managed responsibly and in accordance with Environment Agency rules.
Documentation and Duty of Care
Each collection includes a full audit trail, with Waste Transfer Notes, relevant EWC codes, and disposal records. This supports your Duty of Care responsibilities and keeps you prepared for regulatory inspections or environmental audits.
Where We Work
Steel Drains provides leachate collection services across West Sussex and surrounding counties. We support a wide range of sites and organisations that manage or produce leachate as part of their operations, including:
- Landfill Sites: Routine and emergency leachate removal from storage tanks and lagoons
- Transfer Stations and Waste Facilities: Supporting compliance and site maintenance
- Industrial Processing Plants: Managing runoff and washdown waste
- Recycling Centres: Removing accumulated leachate from containment areas
- Construction and Demolition Sites: Clearing contaminated water during excavation or storage
- Agricultural and Slurry Storage Sites: Collecting nutrient-rich or contaminated liquids
We are familiar with the operational and regulatory pressures of these environments, and tailor our service to minimise disruption and ensure full environmental compliance.
Why Choose Steel Drains?
Covering West Sussex and Surrounding Areas
Based in West Sussex, we respond quickly to planned and emergency leachate removal requests. Whether it’s a landfill, recycling centre, or industrial facility, our team delivers a reliable, professional service every time.
Registered Waste Carrier
Steel Drains is a fully licensed waste carrier with the Environment Agency. All leachate is transported, treated, and documented in full compliance with current UK waste regulations.
Specialist Leachate Collection Team
Our engineers are experienced in dealing with contaminated and controlled liquids. We operate safely on high-risk sites and follow strict environmental protocols throughout the collection process.
Free no obligation quote!
No job too big or small, simply fill in the form below and we’ll give you a call to discuss your requirements.
Book Leachate Collection Today
If your site produces leachate or contaminated runoff, Steel Drains is here to help. We provide fast, fully compliant leachate collection and disposal services across West Sussex and beyond.
Whether you need a one-off clearance or a scheduled collection plan, our team can advise on the best solution for your site.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote, and ensure your site remains safe, compliant, and environmentally secure.
- 01903 259 487
- 07946 061 074
- office@steeldrains.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is leachate?
Leachate is liquid that has percolated through waste materials, typically found in landfill or industrial sites. It often contains contaminants and must be treated as controlled waste.
Where does leachate come from?
It’s usually generated from rainfall or washdown water passing through stored waste, organic matter, or industrial by-products.
Is leachate hazardous?
Leachate can contain hazardous substances depending on the waste type. Even non-hazardous leachate must be handled and disposed of by a licensed carrier.
How is leachate collected?
We use vacuum or jet vac tankers to pump out leachate from storage tanks, lagoons, or bunds and transport it to a licensed facility.
Do I need documentation for leachate disposal?
Yes. Every collection includes a Waste Transfer Note, EWC code, and details of the disposal site to support compliance and record-keeping.
How often should leachate be removed?
This depends on site output and storage capacity. Many sites schedule regular collections to prevent overflow and avoid regulatory issues.
What EWC code applies to leachate?
Typically 19 07 03, though this can vary depending on the waste classification and site type.
Do you handle emergency collections?
Yes. We offer emergency response for leachate overflow or urgent pump-outs.
Can you work with landfills and transfer stations?
Yes. We regularly work with waste operators, site managers, and facilities dealing with controlled liquids.
Are you a licensed waste carrier?
Yes. Steel Drains is a fully registered waste carrier with the Environment Agency.