Examine your spill buckets to determine whether they contain debris, liquid, or ice.
For example, water in your spill bucket will reduce capacity and may cause metal equipment in your sump to corrode. Fuel in your spill bucket will also reduce capacity and may damage some plastic spill buckets not designed for long term contact with petroleum. You should carefully remove and properly dispose of any debris, liquid, or ice found in your spill buckets during your inspections. You should also check for and remove any liquid and debris present in your spill buckets before and after every delivery.
Some spill buckets are equipped with a valve that allows you to drain accumulated liquid into your UST. Others may be equipped with a manual pump so fuel can be transferred to your UST system by pumping it through the fill pipe or removing the fuel and disposing of it properly. However, keep in mind that when you pump out or drain your spill bucket into your UST, any water and debris present also will enter the UST. This could lead to internal corrosion, dispensing problems, and the need to remove contaminated water from the tank. If your spill bucket is not equipped with a drain valve or pump, you can still remove the liquid and debris and dispose of them appropriately. Liquid can be removed with a portable pump.