It’s not much of a secret that many people use an outdoor fire pit for getting rid of large items in their gardens. Nevertheless, fewer folks know about the guidelines they should adhere to when carrying out this activity.
After
sorting your garden out
and testing one of this year’s latest releases
garden trends
, you might end up with some leftover gardening refuse. Even though you may have refrained from adding
items you should avoid putting in your green waste bin
What about burning it as the next best alternative?
We’ve sought advice from waste and gardening specialists to uncover the dos and don’ts when considering burning garden refuse on your land.
Is burning garden waste allowed in your backyard?
Removing your own garden refuse can be highly rewarding.
method for lowering landscaping expenses
throughout the year. Some waste can go into your
homemade compost heap
, some into the garden waste, but what about the rest? Can you burn garden waste as and when needed?
“It’s safe to burn the majority of dry garden waste materials in your garden, this includes dry leaves, branches and grass, as well as untreated wood, paper and cardboard,” explains Ryan Kalia, category manager for waste and recycling at Kingfisher Direct.
It is recommended to use more
sustainable garden ideas
to get rid of the waste, but these organic materials can be burned as a last resort without having to panic about any repercussions.
“To burn these materials safely, it’s best to use a metal incinerator, to keep the fire under control,” suggests Ryan. “Add your waste gradually to keep your smoke levels to a minimum and always keep water on hand just in case.”
He also warns against burning garden waste on a windy day,
as this will cause the smoke to spread to nearby gardens and land you with some annoyed neighbours or worse still, it could be a potential fire hazard if embers spread.
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These sacks are both light and durable, ideal for carrying through your garden to collect twigs and lawn clippings.
What types of garden waste are off-limits for burning in your yard, and what’s the reason behind this restriction?
Aside from
neighbourly garden etiquette
, there are some things you should not burn in your garden to avoid fines and official complaints.
“The
Environmental Protection Act
According to (1990), burning waste in your garden that may harm the environment or pose risks to human health is prohibited. For example, refrain from burning soggy garden refuse such as moist grass clippings or foliage because they generate substantial amounts of smoke when ignited,” clarifies Ryan.
It’s advised that you refrain from igniting any treated wood because doing so might release harmful substances into the atmosphere.
“Items containing plastic, such as synthetic rattan furniture, plant pots and PVC tarpaulin, are a definite no-go,” warns Gareth Lloyd Jones, waste management expert and managing director of HIPPO. “When burned, these can release toxic fumes that can be extremely bad for your health and the environment.”
He also mentions that burning food waste would generate substantial smoke as well. He adds, “An important consideration is this: should the smoke from your bonfire spread over a roadway and pose a danger to vehicles, you might incur a penalty – regardless of whether you burned natural substances exclusively. It’s best to steer clear of such an inconvenience,” he goes on to say.
FAQs
What time can you burn garden rubbish in the UK?
Although there are somewhat strict rules on what you can and cannot burn, the times you can burn rubbish are a little more flexible.
“While there aren’t any strict legal time limits for burning garden waste in the UK, it’s strongly recommended to do so during less bothersome hours of the day to prevent annoying your neighbors,” explains Ryan.
He suggests incinerating the trash during the early morning or late afternoon, since folks are less probable to utilize their gardens at those times.
“During the day, people tend to hang out their washing or entertain guests in their garden, so smoke and ash can be highly disruptive. In fact, under the Environmental Protection Act, burning garden waste during the day can be classed as a statutory nuisance if it affects your neighbours,” he adds.
Is a permit required for burning garden waste?
You might need permission from the council when changing your
garden’s design,
However, when it involves burning trash, you might not always require a permit.
“For domestic bonfires, you generally don’t need a permit,” says Gareth. “However, it’s always worth a quick double-check with your local authority. You might live in a smoke control zone, or there could be other local stipulations you need to be aware of.”
It’s always wise to verify for yourself.
local council’s website
regarding their policies on what is permitted and what isn’t.
Can I file a complaint against my neighbor for burning trash?
Nothing can be more irritating than wanting to get the best use out of your resources.
outdoor living room
, and the neighbor’s fire right beside you is producing more smoke than you’ve ever witnessed. The odor, residue, and sight of all that smoke in your garden aren’t particularly pleasant. However, what options do you have?
“If their bonfire bothers you, you can complain about your neighbor’s fire. This is particularly true if they burn waste material during daylight hours when you’re enjoying your backyard. It’s up to your local authority to investigate these types of grievances related to statutory nuisances,” says Ryan.
Gareth echoes this, saying, “Your local council is responsible for investigating complaints, and if a bonfire is deemed a nuisance, they can issue an ‘abatement notice.” If your neighbour ignores that, they could indeed be fined.”
If you have garden waste that you’re either not sure how to get rid of or don’t have the means yourself, then there are licensed garden waste services you can use. Doing it the right way will save you future headaches from fines and grumpy neighbours.
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