Brits issued £50k Bonfire Night fine warning | UK | News
As families prepare for Bonfire Night, waste disposal experts are warning which items should never be used at a bonfire to avoid hefty fines. While many people see bonfires as an easy way to get rid of unwanted trash like old furniture, scrap wood or household waste, experts say that when you burn these materials, toxic fumes are released. They also produce fine particulate matter, which are microscopic particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, worsening air quality and posing serious health risks.
Burning waste that produces dark smoke can also leave you tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket, as it is an offense under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Britons could be fined up to £50,000 or imprisoned for up to 12 months. Local authorities can also impose on-the-spot fines for smaller offenses, especially if a bonfire produces nuisance smoke or threatens nearby property.
While the Environment Agency runs campaigns every year warning people not to “burn a hole in their pocket” by lighting illegal bonfires, fire brigades across the UK are also reporting sharp increases in related incidents.
If you’re hosting a bonfire, experts recommend sticking to clean, dry ingredients only; Bonfires should never be used as a way to dispose of waste.
BusinessWaste.co.uk waste collection expert Mark Hall said: “Every year we see people starting bonfires with whatever rubbish they can find, from plastic packaging to old furniture. Not only is this illegal, it’s also dangerous to your health and to neighboring homes.”
“Most people don’t set out to break the law, but they often don’t realize that burning household waste counts as illegal disposal. If it produces dark or chemical smoke, you risk a hefty fine and serious environmental damage.”
If you’re not sure how to dispose of waste materials safely, check your local council’s collection service or recycling site instead of burning them.
“You’ll avoid criminal fines, protect your health and help improve overall air quality, which will benefit everyone.”
He continued: “Remember, if you can’t breathe it safely, you shouldn’t burn it. So dispose of waste appropriately and enjoy Bonfire Night safely without putting your community or the environment at risk.”
What is allowed to be used on a bonfire:
- Dry, untreated, unpainted wood
- A small amount of plain paper or cardboard for kindling
- Dry garden waste such as twigs, leaves and twigs
Things not allowed on bonfires:
- Painted, varnished or treated wood
- Household rubbish, furniture, plastics or packaging
- Rubber, rubber or foam materials
- Wet or green garden waste that produces thick smoke
