Garden Bonfires
Bonfires are often used to get rid of garden wastes. This can
lead to smoke and fumes which may cause problems for those living
and/or working close by. Smoke can interfere with a neighbour's
enjoyment of their garden; put them off opening windows and hanging
out washing.
Can I have a bonfire?
There are no restrictions preventing bonfires upon private
residential property as long as they do not cause nuisance to other
people and the smoke does not affect highways.
Some considerations you should make when having a bonfire.
- weather conditions
- time of day
- are neighbours likely to be in garden or have windows
open?
- are neighbours drying washing outside?
- only burn dry material
- do not burn household waste, tyres or anything containing
plastic, foam or paint
There are some exemptions but, in general, commercial businesses
including builders are not permitted to burn waste and are expected
to adhere to strict government legislation regarding waste
disposal.
Commercial bonfire producing dark smoke as a result of burning
foam filled furniture.
I am being bothered by bonfire smoke
If you are bothered by smoke from a bonfire, firstly approach
your neighbour and explain the problem. If this fails the
Environmental Protection Team may be able to help. If you do decide
to contact us, it is useful to have details on the bonfire, i.e.
dates, times, how it bothered you etc.
How do I dispose of waste that I would usually burn?
These days it is not necessary to burn waste. Most areas in the
district now have kerb side collection for both garden waste and recyclables; details can be found via the
Waste Services Department. If you are a
keen gardener composting is a good alternative to burning. If none
of these options are suitable you will find that the Kent County
Council Household Recycling Centres
(Tips), will accept most waste items and recycle it.
Government Legislation
Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 refers to
nuisances caused by smoke. It may well be that smoky bonfires could
be a contravention of the Act if they occur on a regular basis, and
prosecution may result. It is, however, the view of this Authority
that most people are proud of their civic responsibility as they
are of their own gardens, and will consider their neighbours before
lighting a bonfire.
Further information and guidance on bonfires is obtainable by
contacting the Environmental Protection Team on 01304 872428 or
visit the National Society for Clean Air and Environmental
Protection at www.environmental-protection.org.uk.
Black Smoke from a bonfire.
What effects can having bonfire have on the environment and my
health?
- AIR POLLUTION: Burning garden waste produces
smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering. Burning plastic,
rubber or painted materials not only creates an unpleasant smell
but also produces a range of poisonous compounds. This will contain
pollutants including dioxins and particles. Your bonfire will also
add to the general background level of air pollution. Air pollution
in the UK often reaches unhealthy levels - do you really want to
make it worse?
- HEALTH EFFECTS: Emissions from bonfires can
have damaging health effects. Serious harm is unlikely if exposure
to bonfire smoke is brief. However problems may be caused for
asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, people with heart conditions and
children.
- ANNOYANCE: The smoke, smuts and smell from
bonfires are the subject of many complaints to local authorities.
Smoke prevents your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening
windows or hanging washing out, and reduces visibility in the
neighbourhood and on roads. Allotments near homes can cause
particular problems, if plot holders persistently burn waste.
- SAFETY: Fire can spread to fences or buildings
and scorch trees and plants. Exploding bottles and cans are a
hazard when rubbish is burned. Piles of garden waste are often used
as a refuge by animals so look out for hibernating wildlife and
sleeping pets.
Contact
Environmental Protection Team
Dover District Council
White Cliffs Business Park,
Dover,
Kent
CT16 3PJ
Tel: 01304 872428
Email: envhealth@dover.gov.uk
