Buying AdBlue is straightforward until you have to decide how much of it to keep on hand. The container you choose affects what you pay per litre, how much space you need and how easily the fluid can be contaminated along the way.

As a UK manufacturer of AdBlue, we supply everything from 10 litre jerry cans to bulk tanker deliveries, and the same questions come up again and again. This guide walks through each option and who it suits best.

Start With How Much AdBlue You Use

The right container is the one you will empty comfortably within the fluid’s shelf life, without running short in between. AdBlue consumption usually sits at around 3% to 5% of diesel use, although it varies with the engine, the load and how the vehicle is driven.

In practical terms, a diesel car might use a couple of litres every 1,000 miles, while a 44 tonne HGV can get through roughly 1,000 litres a year. Before ordering, we recommend adding up your annual usage across every vehicle and machine that needs it. Dividing that figure across twelve months shows how much stock you can realistically turn over before it starts to age.

AdBlue Container Sizes compared

10 litre and 20 litre jerry cans

Cans are the simplest option for car owners, van drivers and small businesses topping up a handful of vehicles. Our 10L jerry cans are easy to lift and pour, and they store neatly in a van or garage without any extra equipment.

20L jerry cans halve the number of containers you handle, which makes them a good fit for small van fleets such as those in delivery and courier networks. The trade off is price, as small cans are the most expensive way to buy AdBlue per litre.

210 litre drums

Drums bridge the gap between cans and IBCs. A 210L AdBlue drum suits workshops, farms and smaller operators using a few hundred litres a month, particularly where space is limited or there is no forklift on site.

A drum needs a pump to dispense cleanly, so we supply drum and pump kits with manual, rotary or electric pumps depending on how often you fill up.

1000 litre IBCs

An intermediate bulk container (IBC) holds 1,000 litres on a pallet-sized footprint and is one of the most economical ways to buy packaged AdBlue. It suits HGV operators, construction sites and agricultural businesses running several machines through busy periods.

Our 1000L IBCs work with gravity feed pipework from the base or a pump fitted to the top. An IBC manual rotary pump is ideal for lower volumes or sites without power, while an IBC electric pump is quicker for frequent refilling. A forklift is normally needed to unload and position an IBC, so it is worth checking this before you order.

Bulk storage tanks with tanker delivery

Once usage runs into several thousand litres a year, a dedicated storage tank is usually the most cost effective setup. We supply AdBlue storage tanks and refill them through our bulk AdBlue delivery service, which keeps large fleets and depots stocked without handling individual containers.

Storing AdBlue correctly, Whatever the container

However much you buy, AdBlue keeps best in a cool, dry and shaded place. It begins to freeze at around minus 11°C and starts to break down at higher temperatures, so aim to store it below 25°C and out of direct sunlight.

Kept within that range in a sealed container, AdBlue typically has a shelf life of around 12 months. Prolonged heat shortens this considerably, which is why oversized stock sitting in a hot yard through summer is a false economy.

Frozen AdBlue can be used once it has thawed naturally, but leave some space in the container for expansion. Keep caps and lids closed between uses and store containers away from fuel, oils and other chemicals.

Full handling guidance is available in our AdBlue safety data sheet.

Dispensing Without Contamination

Contamination is the biggest risk when moving AdBlue from a larger container into a vehicle. Even small traces of dust, diesel or tap water can damage the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, leading to costly repairs and time off the road.

AdBlue also reacts with metals such as copper, brass, zinc, aluminium and mild steel. That is why dedicated pumps, hoses and nozzles are made from suitable plastics and stainless steel. Funnels and jugs that have been used for anything else should never be used for AdBlue.

Our AdBlue equipment range includes drum pumps, IBC pumps, stands and an IBC bund for spill protection, all designed specifically for AdBlue.

Can you reuse an empty AdBlue container?

We advise against refilling empty AdBlue cans from loose or unknown sources, as there is no way to guarantee the quality of what goes in. Empty AdBlue containers should never be used for diesel, fuel or other liquids either. Residue can contaminate the contents, and a familiar looking can holding the wrong fluid is an easy mistake to make at the filler cap.

Most cans and drums are made from recyclable plastic. Rinse them out with water and check with your local recycling centre or waste contractor on how to dispose of them.

Find the right AdBlue supply for your business

Whether you need a few cans for the van or a tank for the depot, we can help you match the container to your usage. All of our AdBlue is ISO 22241 compliant and manufactured under VDA licence at our site in Derbyshire.

Browse our full AdBlue range or contact our team to talk through your requirements.