Burning wood in your garden could lead to a huge fine.
A burning bin or wood burning in your garden could risk a big fine (Image: Getty)
Bonfire Night is just a few days away and with this time of year, many of us will be heading into our gardens to celebrate a terror attack being foiled by blowing up a small part of it or setting it on fire.
But for the households who use the cover of Guy Fawkes Night to burn some household waste in their garden, experts are warning that burning wood in a wood burner or burning bin in a garden could see you slapped with a fine of up to £50,000 if you use the wrong type of wood.
Many people see bonfires as an easy way to get rid of unwanted rubbish such as old furniture (sometimes classed as ‘Persistent Organic Pollutants’ or POPs waste), says Mark Hall of BusinessWaste, including scrap wood, or household waste. However, burning these materials releases toxic fumes and fine particulate matter, which are microscopic particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, worsening air quality and posing serious health risks.
Research shows that garden waste bonfires can produce up to 30 times more particulate pollution than burning logs in a wood burning stove, and the Environment Agency also warns that unregulated burning contributes to local air quality problems.
He stresses that the Environment Agency has warned that illegally burning waste can result in fines of up to £50,000. Local authorities can also investigate complaints about excessive bonfire smoke. Where a statutory nuisance is established, councils can issue abatement notices, with fines possible if these are ignored
The Environment Agency has previously run campaigns warning people not to “burn a hole in their pocket” by lighting illegal bonfires, while fire services across the UK report sharp rises in related incidents.
What you should and shouldn’t burn this bonfire night:
If you’re hosting a bonfire, stick to clean, dry materials only. Bonfires should never be used as a way to dispose of waste.
Here’s what you can burn
- Dry, untreated, unpainted wood
- Small amounts of plain paper or cardboard for kindling
- Dry garden waste such as twigs, leaves, and small branches
Here’s what you shouldn’t 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
Mark Hall, commercial waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “Every year we see people lighting bonfires with whatever rubbish they can find, from plastic packaging to old furniture. Burning these materials can be illegal, and it is also dangerous to neighbouring houses and public health.”
“Most people don’t set out to break the law, but they often don’t realise that burning household waste counts as illegal disposal. If it produces dark or chemical smoke, you’re risking a hefty fine and serious environmental harm.”
“If you’re hosting a bonfire this year, use clean, dry wood only and keep it well away from trees, fences, or sheds. If you’re unsure how to safely dispose of waste materials, check your local council’s collection service or recycling site instead of burning it. You’ll avoid fines, protect your health, and help improve overall air quality, which is beneficial for everyone.”
“Remember, if you wouldn’t safely breathe it in, you shouldn’t be burning it. So dispose of waste properly and enjoy Bonfire Night safely without putting your community or the environment at risk.”