Bonfire Night is this week and if you’re planning a burn at your home, it’s important to be aware you could face a costly fine. If you don’t know the rules around what you can and can’t burn, it’s an easy mistake to make. You think you’re just popping some extra kindling on, but in fact you could be facing a fine of up to £50,000 or even prison time.
The majority of bonfires take place at public events or community parties but if you’re hosting at your home, make sure you follow the Government guidelines. Stan Staykov, founder of Rubbish Removal UK, said: “To avoid a fine if you’re planning a bonfire at home, make sure that you’re only burning materials that are safe to burn.
“Do not use Bonfire Night as a chance to burn your household waste. Government guidance exists to help ensure that your fire doesn’t cause a nuisance, cause pollution or harm anyone’s health, including your own.”
What items are illegal to burn?
General household waste should not be burned, and must be safely recycled or disposed of instead. If you are setting up your bonfire, do not burn anything apart from dry, unpainted wood and small amounts of kindling.
Do not burn:
- Painted, varnished, or treated wood
- Household rubbish, furniture, plastics, or packaging
- Rubber, tyres, or foam materials
- Wet or green garden waste that creates heavy smoke
Such materials can be taken to your household waste recycling centre instead. Alternatively, you can arrange for them to be collected and disposed of by a registered waste carrier instead.
Stan added: “Every year you hear about people burning all sorts of rubbish and doing a lot of harm to their neighbours, local wildlife and the environment as a result. Some people may not even realise that they are breaking the law, which is why it is so important for those planning a bonfire to be aware of what they can and can’t burn.”
What are the fines?
According to the Environment Agency the fines for burning the wrong items can be hefty. It can carry a penalty of up to £50,000.
Ben Shayler of the Environment Agency said: “We want people to have fun on Bonfire Night – but to do so safely and in a way that won’t create a risk to the environment, wildlife, you and your neighbours.
“The best way of doing that is to stop burning waste altogether and go to a properly organised community event where organisers have followed our guidelines and won’t be causing a hazard.
“Whether you are a business owner or householder, if you are paying someone to take waste away, always check they are licensed waste carriers who will dispose of waste correctly. Criminals working in illegal waste operations may also use the celebration to dispose of hazardous and inappropriate waste.”
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