Bonfires and burning is probably the most polluting way to
dispose of waste. Bonfires produce smoke; this causes pollutants
such as carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles. And burning things
such as plastic, rubber or painted materials will not only create
an unpleasant odour, but also produce poisonous compounds.
Bonfire smoke may also cause problems for asthmatics, bronchitis
sufferers, people with heart conditions and children.
Air pollution in the UK often reaches unhealthy levels. A
bonfire will only add to the general background levels of air
pollution. Part of Scunthorpe is within an Air Quality Management
Area (AQMA) – this was designated for a breach of the air
quality objective for particulate matter. For further information
on the AQMA, please call the council's Environmental Protection
team on 01724 297617/297318.
Apart from air pollution, bonfires can cause annoyance to
neighbours and any bonfire is a potential safety risk.
Every year, neighbours who are unable to enjoy their gardens,
open windows or hang washing out, contact the council to complain
about bonfires. The council has limited powers, and despite a
common misconception, there are no by-laws to restrict the time of,
or prevent bonfires. The council may only be able to take action
against someone if they are persistently causing a nuisance. It
won’t be sufficient if the bonfire only occurs
If you have garden refuse to dispose of, it is much better to
compost it if you can, either in a home composter or by placing it
within your brown bin for collection. Garden waste can also be
taken to a household recycling centre.
If a bonfire is the best practicable option for disposing of
garden waste, follow these guidelines from Environmental
Protection UK to avoid causing a nuisance:
- Warn your neighbours beforehand
- Do not light a bonfire if your neighbours are in the garden,
have their washing out, or have their windows open.
- Only burn dry material
- Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything
containing plastic, foam or paint
- Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the
- Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions –
smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening
- If it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbouring gardens
and across roads
- Avoid burning when air pollution in you area is high or very
- Never leave a fire unattended and have plenty of water
available to put the fire out if you need to.
For further information regarding domestic bonfires, or if you
wish to complain about a domestic bonfire, please call
the Neighbourhood Response Team on 01724 297000.
The burning of trade waste is an offence. All businesses have a
duty of care regarding their waste and must ensure their waste is
properly managed and that suitable arrangements are made for its
storage, collection, transportation and final disposal. In
addition, causing dark smoke from burning waste at a trade,
industrial or business premises is an offence under the Clean
Air Act 1993.
Furthermore, any bonfire could constitute a statutory nuisance
under the Environmental
Protection Act 1990.
For further information regarding commercial bonfires, or if you
wish to complain about a commercial bonfire, please call the
council's Environmental Protection team on 01724