Bonfires bring with them certain problems; the smoke and penetrating smell can cause annoyance to neighbours. Bonfires emit pollutant gases such as carbon monoxide and particulates. Plastics, rubber or painted materials must not be burned.

Ideally, you should compost or recycle waste. Composting will effectively convert most garden waste into valuable fertiliser and thereby eliminate the need to have bonfires at all. If this is not possible, then you should use the free disposal facilities at one of our Household Waste and Recycling Centres. The Council also has an ongoing scheme for Garden Waste and Cardboard Collections which can in turn be recycled into good quality compost.

If you must have a bonfire, remember that:

• It is an offence to create smoke which becomes a nuisance to neighbours and those living nearby;
• Bonfires should be as far away from buildings as possible and so situated that the prevailing wind carries smoke away from the buildings;
• Only dry material should be burned, green or moist material creates the greatest nuisance;
• Damp, windless days are unsuitable for burning refuse as smoke will linger at low levels, thereby penetrating houses and polluting the air;
• Bonfires should never be left to smoulder overnight or unattended;
• Bonfires can be dangerous and care should be taken when children are present.

Further information can be found from the NSCA website.