Prices for above ground oil tank removal in the United States typically range from about $1,200 to $6,000, depending on tank size, soil conditions, and local regulations. The main cost drivers are tank size, soil testing or remediation needs, permit requirements, and disposal fees.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tank Removal | $1,200 | $2,800 | $6,000 | 275–1,000+ gallon tanks; includes emptying, dismantling, and removal |
| Permits & Fees | $50 | $180 | $300 | Local health or fire department permits may apply |
| Soil Testing/Remediation | $200 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Required if soil impacted or contaminated |
| Disposal & Recycling | $300 | $900 | $2,000 | Tank material and contaminated fluids processed as hazardous waste if applicable |
| Labor | $700 | $1,800 | $3,500 | Crew time, equipment operation, and site prep |
| Additional/Hidden Costs | $100 | $400 | $1,200 | Site restoration, backfill, or over excavation |
Assumptions: region, tank size, soil condition, and disposal requirements vary; see detailed sections below.
Overview Of Costs
Typical project ranges for above ground oil tank removal span $1,200–$6,000, with most residential projects falling between $2,000 and $4,000. Per-tank pricing is often useful when the tank size is known: small 275–330 gallons commonly costs $1,200–$2,800, mid-size 500–750 gallons $1,800–$3,500, and larger tanks over 1,000 gallons can exceed $4,000 up to $6,000 or more if remediation is needed.
Per-unit pricing may appear as $/tank or $/hour for labor; typical labor rates range $70–$120 per hour, with 4–16 hours of work depending on site access. Assumptions include no significant soil contamination and standard suburban conditions.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $50 | $250 | $600 | Seals, bags, separators |
| Labor | $700 | $1,800 | $3,500 | Site prep, extraction, backfill |
| Equipment | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Excavation tech, heavy lifting gear |
| Permits | $50 | $180 | $300 | Local approvals |
| Disposal | $200 | $700 | $1,500 | Tank and contaminated fluids |
| Contingency | $100 | $350 | $800 | Unforeseen issues |
What Drives Price
Tank size and material influence costs directly; larger tanks require more labor and heavier equipment. Soil conditions and contamination add substantial expense if testing or remediation is needed. Permitting rules vary by locality, sometimes adding weeks to schedule and $50–$300 in fees.
Other drivers include access to the site (driveway, yard, or tight clearance), distance to proper disposal facilities, and whether the tank contains residual fluids that require controlled handling. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Ways To Save
Shop around and verify credentials—get at least three quotes that itemize disposal and remediation. Consider scheduling removal during off-peak seasons when crews are available and pricing may be steadier. If no soil remediation is required, costs can stay toward the lower end of the range.
Bundle services—if yard grading or plumbing upgrades are on the horizon, combine tasks with a single contractor to negotiate favorable rates and reduce repeated mobilization.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor costs, disposal fees, and permitting regimes. For example, the Midwest often sees mid-range pricing due to competitive contractors, the Northeast may be higher because of stricter disposal rules, and the South can be lower but vary by state. Expect ±15–35% deltas between regions for total project cost, with labor and disposal forming the bulk of the spread.
Labor & Installation Time
Typical removal takes 4–16 hours, depending on tank size, soil conditions, and site access. Labor costs commonly represent the largest single portion of the budget. A small residential tank may require 4–6 hours of work, while larger tanks or contaminated sites can push toward 12–16 hours.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic scenario: 275–330 gallon tank, easy access, no contamination. Tank removal $1,200–$1,800; permits $50–$100; disposal $200–$400; total $1,450–$2,300. Assumptions: suburban property, standard soil, no remediation.
Mid-Range scenario: 500–750 gallon tank, moderate access, no major remediation. Removal $1,800–$3,000; permits $100–$180; disposal $400–$900; soil test $0–$500; total $2,300–$4,580. Assumptions: one-day crew, typical backfill.
Premium scenario: 1,000+ gallon tank, poor site access, contamination present requiring remediation. Removal $3,500–$5,000; permits $150–$300; disposal $1,000–$2,000; remediation $1,500–$3,000; total $6,150–$10,600. Assumptions: hazardous waste handling, extended site restoration.
