If the air is still, particularly in the late afternoon or evening, smoke will linger.  A dry blazing bonfire will lift smoke and fumes upwards.  If it is too windy, smoke can blow not only onto neighbouring properties but also across roads causing danger.  Allotments in residential area can cause particular problems, if plot holders persistently burn waste.

Bonfires cause air pollution.  Burning garden waste produces smoke, especially if it is damp and smouldering.  This will contain pollutants including carbon monoxide, dioxins and particles.  Burning plastic, rubber or painted materials not only creates an unpleasant smell but also produces a range of poisonous compounds.  Air pollution in the UK often reaches unhealthy levels due to emissions from industry, car emissions and bonfires.  Please take care not to make it worse.

Pollutants released into the atmosphere by burning waste can have damaging health effects.  Serious harm is unlikely if exposure to bonfire smoke is brief.  However problems may be caused for asthmatics and bronchitis sufferers.  People with heart conditions and children may also be at risk.

Bonfires can be dangerous!  Fire can spread to fences or buildings and scorch trees and plants.  Exploding bottles and cans are a hazard when rubbish is burned.  If you are considering lighting a bonfire be aware that garden waste is often used by animals, for hibernating and sleeping.

A compost bin will produce a useful soil conditioner, saving money on commercial products.  So instead of burning garden waste or putting food waste in the dustbin where it will end up being buried or incinerated, invest in a compost bin.

Bulky vegetation can be shredded to make it suitable for composting or mulching.  Shredders can be bought or hired and some allotment societies have their own.  However bear in mind that shredders can be noisy so be careful not to replace one nuisance for another.

 

Advice on composting is available from the Customer Services Team on 01730 234295 or from the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ. Telephone 01654 705950 or look at their website.

 

 

 

An alternative way to dispose of your garden waste instead of burning it is to subscribe to the Council’s Garden Waste Collection Service.  For an annual service charge your garden waste will be collected and recycled for you, on a fortnightly basis.  To sign up for this service call the Customer Services Team on 01730 234295.

Household waste should never be burned on a bonfire.  Many items can be recycled and you can get advice on local recycling facilities by phoning 01730 234295.  Garden waste should not be mixed with other household waste.  Waste can be taken to any of the following sites for disposal:

 

      Bedford, Petersfield – 01730 264203

      Station Road, Bordon – 01420 488931

      Omega Park, Alton – 01420 542572

 

Old beds and sofas are not suitable for burning.  Some voluntary groups collect old furniture for repair and re-use, or you can use the Councils’ services to arrange a special collection (there may be a charge depending on the size of the items to be disposed of).  For more information telephone 01730 234295.

 

Organisations that will recycle furniture, clothes and electrical goods if in good condition are the following:

Furniture Helpline – 01420 489000

Barnardos – 02392 253143

 

A review of the law regarding bonfires and a brief summary of the guidlines can be found by clicking here.

 

If you have any queries relating to disturbance from smoke caused by a bonfire, please contact the Pollution team on 01730 234360 or ehealth@easthants.gov.uk