Bonfire Night is this week, and anyone planning a burn at home needs to know the rules or risk a fine of up to £50,000 or even prison time. The majority of bonfires take place at public events or community parties, but for those hosting at home, Government guidelines must be followed.
What items are illegal to burn?
General household waste should not be burned and must be safely recycled or disposed of instead. When setting up a bonfire, only dry, unpainted wood and small amounts of kindling should be burned.
Do not 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
These materials can be taken to a household waste recycling centre or collected and disposed of by a registered waste carrier.
What are the fines?
According to the Environment Agency, the penalties for burning the wrong items can be hefty, carrying a penalty of up to £50,000. Stan Staykov, founder of Rubbish Removal UK, said: “To avoid a fine if you’re planning a bonfire at home, make sure that you’re only burning materials that are safe to burn.”
“Do not use Bonfire Night as a chance to burn your household waste. Government guidance exists to help ensure that your fire doesn’t cause a nuisance, cause pollution or harm anyone’s health, including your own.”
Stan added: “Every year you hear about people burning all sorts of rubbish and doing a lot of harm to their neighbours, local wildlife and the environment as a result. Some people may not even realise that they are breaking the law, which is why it is so important for those planning a bonfire to be aware of what they can and can’t burn.”
Ben Shayler of the Environment Agency said: “We want people to have fun on Bonfire Night – but to do so safely and in a way that won’t create a risk to the environment, wildlife, you and your neighbours. The best way of doing that is to stop burning waste altogether and go to a properly organised community event where organisers have followed our guidelines and won’t be causing a hazard.”
“Whether you are a business owner or householder, if you are paying someone to take waste away, always check they are licensed waste carriers who will dispose of waste correctly. Criminals working in illegal waste operations may also use the celebration to dispose of hazardous and inappropriate waste.”
