Bonfires - Pollution and Nusiance

There are number of things that need to be taken into account when setting up a bonfire in your garden.

If You Have A Bonfire please follow these rules:

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT 1990 GARDEN BONFIRES

Garden refuse can be burnt in gardens providing smoke nuisance is not caused to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood. The following Code of Practice is suggested:

1. Compost as much garden refuse as possible.

2. Large woody cuttings etc, unsuitable for composting, should be thoroughly dried before being burnt. A quick, hot fire will produce the minimum of smoke.

3. Remember your neighbour.

4. Do not light a bonfire if the wind is going to cause the smoke to be a nuisance to anyone.

5. Try to limit your fires to not more than one a month and, if weather conditions are suitable, have a good quick blaze around sunset when the minimum of nuisance should be caused.

6. No fire should be left unattended. Never leave a fire to smoulder but douse it with soil or water.

7. Never add household refuse to a garden bonfire.

8. The local authority is prepared to collect garden refuse, at a small charge, provided that it is properly bagged or bundled.

9. Disposal points under the Civic Amenities Act have been provided by the Leicestershire County Council for disposal of bulky refuse, free of charge. Information relating to these sites or the special collection service, can be obtained by contacting the Waste Management Section.

A smoky bonfire could be actionable under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If the local authority is satisfied that a situation prejudicial to health or a nuisance has occurred, even though it has temporarily ceased but is likely to recur, an Abatement Notice can be served on the person responsible.

If this code is followed problems should be minimised.