When waste collection services are unavailable, it can be tempting to set a bonfire in your back garden to get rid of everything. While it is not unlawful to ignite a fire, you should be informed of some restrictions and regulations before doing so. We’ve collected a summary of everything you need to know about garbage burning guidelines and regulations.

These rules have been put in place to keep everyone safe. If not properly prepared, bonfires can easily turn into unmanageable fires. Additionally, they have the potential to pollute the air with hazardous smoke, gases, and particles.

Can I Burn Garden Rubbish?

Yes, you can generally burn trash in your garden. There are, however, some guidelines to follow. First and foremost, you must not annoy your neighbours. Second, limit the garbage you burn to dry garden debris, clean lumber, cardboard, or paper.

Some environmental rules, on the other hand, make it illegal to emit fumes or smoke into the atmosphere. Because they endanger human health and harm others. As a result, before burning garbage in your garden, you should be aware of these issues.

What Can I Burn and What Can’t I Burn?

Your bonfire must not pollute the environment or endanger human health, which means you should avoid burning materials that produce a lot of smoke or hazardous fumes. A fire’s particulates can spread and linger in the air, producing annoyance or health problems for others, such as asthma.

• Only dry materials, such as paper and untreated wood, are allowed to be burned.
• It is not a good idea to burn damp waste because it produces more smoke.
• If you use oil, petrol, or spirits to put out the fire, you risk it getting out of hand and spreading gases.

Should I Notify Anyone About My Bonfire?

While it is not required by law to tell anyone about a bonfire, as previously said, you should be considerate and inform your neighbours. You may also choose to call a non-emergency hotline to notify your local government. They are frequently notified of flames that appear to be an emergency but are controlled bonfires or land clearing. Giving them advance notice prevents them from being called out unnecessarily.

What are The Fire Pit Rules and Regulations?

The UK has fairly lax outdoor fire regulations. A burn barrel, homemade burn box, hardwood stove, outdoor boiler, or open pit are all common places to burn. Burning produces air emissions that are not treated or filtered before being released into the atmosphere. That’s why it’s not a good idea to burn anything. However, if you do intend to burn, you must adhere to the following guidelines.

• Make sure the smoke from your campfire does not travel across the road. Because it may endanger the flow of traffic on the road.
• Nothing that could pollute the air should be burned.
• You should also avoid burning anything that could be hazardous to the public’s health.

What Are Some Alternatives to Burning Rubbish?

1. Use Council Bins
2. Use Recycling Centres
3. Use a Shredder or Chipper for Garden Waste
4. Composting

1. Use Council Bins

Before you resort to burning, check your local council’s website to see if they offer major waste item collection in your region. You can also contact private rubbish removal providers who will come to your home.

2. Use Recycling Centres

Before you start a fire, try transporting the trash to your local landfill or recycling centre. They can deal with it in a far more secure and environmentally beneficial manner. Recycling waste is a better option for the environment than burning those waste.

3. Use a Shredder or Chipper for Garden Waste

If you can’t stomach having your tree trimmings sit around or they won’t fit in your garden waste container, garden waste chippers or shredders are a good option. This will allow you to fit more in the bin, store it in a bag out of the way, dry it out and burn it more easily, or even reuse it in your garden or compost.

4. Composting

Food and other household garbage should not be burned. If you don’t want to throw it out in your regular garbage can, compost it instead. This can be a great fertilizer for your garden while also saving your money on fertilizers. Shredded yard trash can also be added to your compost container.

If you decide to compost, do your homework on the type of compost you’ll be producing. Also, as to how to keep pests out and what to add and what not to add. A worm compost bin is an ideal example for fruits, vegetables, paper, and cardboard waste but cooked food, meat, and dairy products are not recommended.