‘Can I bury a shipping container?’ is a question that pops up surprisingly often here at Upminster Containers. On paper, it sounds brilliant; purchase a ready-made steel box, dig a hole, drop it in, job done. However, in reality, burying a standard shipping container is rarely safe, unlikely to be compliant, and almost never as simple (or cost-effective) as it first appears.
In this blog, we’ll explain why we don’t recommend burying a container, what the structural and safety risks are, how planning and building regulations see it, and the practical alternatives that achieve the same goals without the inevitable pitfalls.
No, we do not advise that you bury a standard shipping container. Containers are engineered for transport and stacking via their corner posts, not to sit underground resisting soil pressure on the roof and walls.
Converting one into an underground room or bunker safely, requires a fully engineered underground structure (retaining walls, roof beams, waterproofing, drainage and ventilation) rather than relying on the container itself. British standards currently state that the roof is only able to support people working on it, not pressure from continual foot traffic, and soil loads are a different kettle of fish entirely.
Consider the intended use: Containers are designed to carry loads at the corners (for stacking) during transport. Their side and end walls are tested for specific, internally distributed loads that are based on the movement of a ship, i.e. the state that they are expected to be in; not the continuous pressure of compacted soil on top of it. Burying the container would introduce pressures that it wasn’t built to resist.
Corrosion moves quickly underground: Most shipping containers are made from Corton Steel, which is water resistant, but needs to dry between exposure to water. If your container is buried in soil or kept continuously damp, then corrosion is likely to set in sooner rather than later.
Confined space hazards: An underground container (even partially submerged) can become a confined space, with risks from reduced oxygen, toxic gases, and even fire. A properly submerged structure needs a strong source of ventilation and monitoring to ensure that it’s fully safe and compliant.
Structural collapse and water leaks: Backfilled soil would apply significant pressure to the walls and roof. Without engineered retaining structures, buckling or total collapse is a real risk, especially as the soil gets wetter. Even small leaks underground can lead to persistent damp, mould, damage to contents and serious physical injury.
Excavating and creating underground accommodation or storage is unlikely to be covered by simple permitted development and standard building regulations.
Whilst projects vary, it’s sensible to assume you’ll need quite extensive planning approval for any buried or semi-buried space. Your local authority can advise on your site, but expect this to be a lengthy endeavour and a costly project once approved.
If you’re set on an underground structure, and they do have their uses, such as temperature stability, aesthetic purposes, and low profile for storage, then the safe route is to work with a specialised engineer to create what you need.
This would include:
There are several other ways to reach a similar goal; you can still achieve discretion, thermal regulation and weather protection without putting a standard container into the ground.
Part-submerged installation: Place the container on a suitable base (more on this here), then build retaining walls to either side and backfill against the walls, not against the container. You can then work with your engineer to create a roof or canopy rather than adding heavy soil onto it. With any projects involving significant groundworks, we would still also highly recommend working with an engineer rather than attempting this yourself.
Discreet siting and screening: Position the container below fence lines and add timber cladding, trellis, or artificial plants. It will be a much more discreet addition, without the need for excavation and with far fewer regulatory and planning issues.
Air conditioning upgrades: If the aim is temperature stability, then you can add insulation, controlled ventilation (included as standard with Upminster Containers) and (if needed) a dehumidifier.
Modular buildings: For high-spec spaces or if you would like to make it habitable, consider our modular buildings, which are designed for quick installation and year-round comfort; and most importantly, avoid the stress of extensive groundworks.
So, if you’re wondering ‘Can I bury a shipping container?’, the practical and safe answer is: Don’t bury a standard unit. Containers aren’t designed for the pressure of compacted earth, corrosion from underground damp, and you’ll also face significant safety hurdles. If you need a low-profile, discreet or highly protected space, there are better-engineered alternatives, and plenty of above-ground solutions that deliver the outcome that you want with far less risk.
We have supplied and adapted containers for secure storage, workshops, offices and more since the 1950s. Upminster Containers offers practical options that deliver the performance most people hope to get from a buried structure, minus the risk:
Thinking through options for your site? We’re happy to help you choose a safe, cost-effective route, whether that’s a discreetly placed container, a converted unit, or a modular building. Simply get in touch for friendly, honest advice.
