Bonfires
Bonfires
Bonfires can cause localised air pollution and annoy
neighbours. Follow the bonfire guidelines to reduce nuisance to
others.
Bonfires and the law
There are no specific laws governing the use of bonfires although under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990, a statutory nuisance includes "smoke, fumes or gases emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance".
If bothered by smoke, approach your neighbour and explain the problem. You might feel awkward, but they may not be aware of the distress they are causing and it will hopefully make them more considerate in the future. If this fails, contact Mid Sussex Council's environmental health department.(Tel: 01444 458166)
The National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection (NSCA) factsheet 'Pollution, Nuisance and the Law' explains the situation in more detail. If the fire is only occasional it is unlikely to be considered a nuisance in law.
Under the Highways Act 1980, anyone lighting a fire and allowing smoke to drift across a road faces a fine if it endangers traffic. Contact the local police in this case. (Tel: 0845 60 70 999)
What's wrong with bonfires?
They add to air pollution:
i: burning garden waste produces smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering
ii:burning plastic, rubber or painted materials not only creates an unpleasant smell but also produces a range of poisonous compounds
iii: your bonfire will also add to the general background level of air pollution
Detrimental health effects:
bonfire smoke may cause problems for asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, people with heart conditions and children
Bonfires cause annoyance:
i.:the smoke, smuts, and smell from bonfires are the subject of many complaints to local councils
ii:smoke prevents your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out, and reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads
iii: allotments near homes can cause particular problems if plot holders persistently burn waste
Any bonfire is a potential safety risk:
i: fire can spread to fences or buildings and cans are a hazard when rubbish is burned
ii piles of garden waste are often used as a refuge by animals, so look out for hibernating wildlife and sleeping pets
Other ways to dispose of garden waste
Try these other ways to get rid of your garden waste:
i: make compost from your garden waste
ii: West Sussex County Council run composting schemes and supply reduced cost compost bins
ii: your local council may collect garden waste for a small charge
iv: use a shredder to reduce small branches and twigs to chippings which you can spread on the garden as a mulch to reduce weeds and maintain soil moisture
v: you can take it to a special composting area operated by the Mid Sussex District Council
Bonfire guidelines
If a bonfire is the best practicable option for disposing of garden waste, follow these guidelines from the National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection (NCSA) to avoid serious nuisance:
i: only burn dry material
ii:never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint (laminated chipboard is also gives off hazardous odours)
iii: never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire or encourage it
iv: avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening
v: if it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbours gardens and across roads
vi: avoid burning when air pollution in your area is high or very high .
Bonfires and the law
There are no specific laws governing the use of bonfires although under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990, a statutory nuisance includes "smoke, fumes or gases emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance".
If bothered by smoke, approach your neighbour and explain the problem. You might feel awkward, but they may not be aware of the distress they are causing and it will hopefully make them more considerate in the future. If this fails, contact Mid Sussex Council's environmental health department.(Tel: 01444 458166)
The National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection (NSCA) factsheet 'Pollution, Nuisance and the Law' explains the situation in more detail. If the fire is only occasional it is unlikely to be considered a nuisance in law.
Under the Highways Act 1980, anyone lighting a fire and allowing smoke to drift across a road faces a fine if it endangers traffic. Contact the local police in this case. (Tel: 0845 60 70 999)
What's wrong with bonfires?
They add to air pollution:
i: burning garden waste produces smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering
ii:burning plastic, rubber or painted materials not only creates an unpleasant smell but also produces a range of poisonous compounds
iii: your bonfire will also add to the general background level of air pollution
Detrimental health effects:
bonfire smoke may cause problems for asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, people with heart conditions and children
Bonfires cause annoyance:
i.:the smoke, smuts, and smell from bonfires are the subject of many complaints to local councils
ii:smoke prevents your neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out, and reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads
iii: allotments near homes can cause particular problems if plot holders persistently burn waste
Any bonfire is a potential safety risk:
i: fire can spread to fences or buildings and cans are a hazard when rubbish is burned
ii piles of garden waste are often used as a refuge by animals, so look out for hibernating wildlife and sleeping pets
Other ways to dispose of garden waste
Try these other ways to get rid of your garden waste:
i: make compost from your garden waste
ii: West Sussex County Council run composting schemes and supply reduced cost compost bins
ii: your local council may collect garden waste for a small charge
iv: use a shredder to reduce small branches and twigs to chippings which you can spread on the garden as a mulch to reduce weeds and maintain soil moisture
v: you can take it to a special composting area operated by the Mid Sussex District Council
Bonfire guidelines
If a bonfire is the best practicable option for disposing of garden waste, follow these guidelines from the National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection (NCSA) to avoid serious nuisance:
i: only burn dry material
ii:never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint (laminated chipboard is also gives off hazardous odours)
iii: never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire or encourage it
iv: avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening
v: if it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbours gardens and across roads
vi: avoid burning when air pollution in your area is high or very high .