Bonfires

Bonfires and burning is probably the most polluting way to dispose of waste. Bonfires produce smoke; this causes pollutants such as carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles. And burning things such as plastic, rubber or painted materials will not only create an unpleasant odour, but also produce poisonous compounds.

Bonfire smoke may also cause problems for asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, people with heart conditions and children.

Air pollution in the UK often reaches unhealthy levels. A bonfire will only add to the general background levels of air pollution. Part of Scunthorpe is within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) – this was designated for a breach of the air quality objective for particulate matter. For further information on the AQMA, please call the council's Environmental Protection team on 01724 297617/297318.

Apart from air pollution, bonfires can cause annoyance to neighbours and any bonfire is a potential safety risk.

Domestic Bonfires

Every year, neighbours who are unable to enjoy their gardens, open windows or hang washing out, contact the council to complain about bonfires. The council has limited powers, and despite a common misconception, there are no by-laws to restrict the time of, or prevent bonfires. The council may only be able to take action against someone if they are persistently causing a nuisance. It won’t be sufficient if the bonfire only occurs occasionally.

If you have garden refuse to dispose of, it is much better to compost it if you can, either in a home composter or by placing it within your brown bin for collection. Garden waste can also be taken to a household recycling centre.

If a bonfire is the best practicable option for disposing of garden waste, follow these guidelines from Environmental Protection UK to avoid causing a nuisance:

• Warn your neighbours beforehand
• Do not light a bonfire if your neighbours are in the garden, have their washing out, or have their windows open.
• Only burn dry material
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint
• Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire
• Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions – smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening
• If it is windy, smoke may be blown into neighbouring gardens and across roads
• Avoid burning when air pollution in you area is high or very high
• Never leave a fire unattended and have plenty of water available to put the fire out if you need to.

For further information regarding domestic bonfires, or if you wish to complain about a domestic bonfire, please call the Neighbourhood Response Team on 01724 297000.

Commercial Bonfires

The burning of trade waste is an offence. All businesses have a duty of care regarding their waste and must ensure their waste is properly managed and that suitable arrangements are made for its storage, collection, transportation and final disposal. In addition, causing dark smoke from burning waste at a trade, industrial or business premises is an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993.

Furthermore, any bonfire could constitute a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

For further information regarding commercial bonfires, or if you wish to complain about a commercial bonfire, please call the council's Environmental Protection team on 01724 297617/297318.