UXO Disposal

We assess, detect, and remove UXO-safely, expertly, and without delay

UXO Disposal

Finding unexploded ordnance (UXO) on a construction site or during a survey isn’t just disruptive - it’s downright dangerous! Whether it’s a WWII bomb, a buried mortar, or a discarded grenade, one wrong move could put lives at risk and bring your project to a standstill.

That’s where our UXO disposal services come in.

Our experienced explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) engineers safely identify, manage, and remove UXO across land and marine environments. With rapid response capabilities, Ministry of Defence liaison, and end-to-end control, we ensure safe clearance with minimal disruption so your project can move forward, fast.

UXO Support

What Is a UXO Disposal?

Disappointingly, UXO disposal is seldom the dramatic blowing up of a big bomb! It’s more likely to be a process of safely identifying, assessing, and either neutralising or removing unexploded military munitions.

The process typically includes the following steps:

Excavation of suspect items
Positive identification by trained EOD personnel
Temporary relocation or controlled detonation
Secure handover to the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
Documentation and reporting for audit and compliance

Depending on the item, location, and risk level, disposal may involve supervised removal, on-site detonation, or specialist intervention by military or police units.

UXO disposal

When Is UXO Disposal Required

Disposal is required when a suspected or confirmed UXO item is discovered during works such as site excavation, drilling or piling, ground investigation, marine surveying, agricultural activity, public works or infrastructure development.

UXO can be found at any stage of any development, which is why early risk assessments and surveys are critical. However, if UXO is discovered unexpectedly, it’s vital to stop work, evacuate the area, and call in the experts.

UXO disposal

BACTEC’s UXO Disposal Capabilities

Our disposal service is fast, compliant, and comprehensive. Whether we’ve been with you since the risk assessment stage or are called in as a rapid response, we handle every aspect of the process, as follows:

1. Identification & Classification

On-site inspection by qualified EOD engineers
Assessment of size, type, condition and hazard level

2. Risk Management

Establishment of exclusion zones
Liaison with site managers, emergency services, and the MoD
Detailed risk communication and safety planning

3. UXO Removal or Disposal

Safe excavation using specialist equipment
Transport and handover to the MoD or police bomb squad
Controlled detonation in approved locations, where necessary
Clearance certificates and documentation

UXO disposal

Emergency UXO Response

BACTEC provides rapid-response EOD teams across the UK. If you discover a suspicious object during works stop all works immediately, evacuate the area, contact the site manager and emergency services and call us for UXO support.

Our specialists will attend site, assess the threat, and work with authorities to secure and resolve the situation - quickly, safely, and in full compliance with regulations.

disposal

What Types of UXO Do We Dispose Of?

Our EOD teams are trained and equipped to safely manage anything, including:

WWII high explosive bombs (50kg–1,000kg)
Mortars and artillery shells
Anti-aircraft rounds and grenades
Naval mines and sea-dumped munitions
Abandoned training munitions
Practice bombs with live charges

Whether it’s buried beneath concrete, submerged offshore, or hidden in a hedgerow, if it poses a threat, we’ll deal with it

UXO Disposal

UXO Disposal in Marine Environments

UXO found in rivers, lakes or offshore locations presents additional challenges: strong currents, sediment, visibility and logistics. Our marine UXO disposal service includes:

ROV inspection and retrieval
Diver-led operations
Surface clearance for beach or tidal finds
Coordination with marine authorities and coastguard services

We’ve supported offshore wind, cable installation, dredging, and port projects with fully managed marine UXO disposal, including safe detonation or retrieval for onward disposal.

UXO Disposal and the Law

UXO disposal must be carried out in compliance with UK law and best practice, including:

The Explosives Regulations 2014
CDM Regulations 2015
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
CIRIA C681 Guidance on UXO Risk Management

Improper handling or delay in response can result in serious legal, financial and safety consequences. Working with a professional provider like BACTEC ensures full compliance and peace of mind.

UXO Disposal: Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I find something that looks like UXO?
Stop work immediately, evacuate the area, and alert your site manager. Contact emergency services on 999 and then call us for ongoing support. Never touch or move the object.

Who is responsible for UXO disposal?
The site operator has the duty of care. We can handle identification and risk management and liaise with the MoD or police bomb squad to ensure safe removal or detonation.

Can UXO be removed without a detonation?
Yes: many items are safely removed and transported for controlled disposal. Detonation is only used when deemed safer than removal.

What happens after disposal?
The dust settles…and then you’ll receive a full report, including clearance documentation, photographs, and safety sign-off ensuring your site is safe and compliant.

How fast can you respond?
Try us! We offer nationwide rapid response. In many cases, we can have a UXO expert on your site within hours.