Bonfires
Bonfire smoke can have a harmful effect on people with health and/or respiratory problems and have an impact on local air quality.
A simple fire can prevent many people from using their garden or opening a window, which may be their only source of fresh air.
Although it is not against the law to have a garden bonfire, if the occurrence is frequent, having a negative impact on surrounding properties and causing a nuisance, the council can investigate under statutory nuisance powers.
Initially, we would advise that you contact the person responsible to see if a resolution can be found informally. Often, they are simply unaware of the impact they are having. Where this is not possible, or the situation does not improve, the council can carry out an investigation for statutory nuisance.
Further information on garden bonfires:
Reducing air pollution from outdoor burning
Garden bonfires: the rules (opens new window)
Alternatives to bonfires
There are lots of alternative options to having a bonfire, including:
- Home composting
- Signing up for garden waste collections (brown wheeled bin)
- Taking your waste to one of our Household waste and recycling centres for recycling or safe disposal
- Using a skip hire or recycling contractor (anyone you employ must be authorised by the Environment Agency - check the public register)
Burning of trade waste
It is illegal to use a bonfire to dispose of waste from a commercial activity or to burn construction or demolition waste.
Businesses have a legal duty to ensure their waste is disposed of lawfully and without causing any harm or pollution. HM Government publish advice on managing wastes and a statutory code of practice you must follow.
There is an exemption for the open burning of plant material. This activity must be registered in advance with the Environment Agency.
The burning of waste from a business is a serious matter and the council would normally prosecute offenders. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 creates a number of criminal offences that would apply.
Report or make a complaint about smoke from a bonfire
If you are experiencing regular or ongoing problems, a complaint can be made to the council for further investigation.
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