Bonfires

Thinking of having a bonfire?  Think Again!!

Burning waste can cause all sorts of problems for the environment and your neighbours.

Pollution – Bonfires can release a number of pollutants into the air, such as carbon dioxide, particles, dioxins and even noxious fumes, which add to the general background level of air pollution.

Health – Prolonged emissions can cause problems for those suffering from respiratory problems, heart conditions and children.

Nuisance – Smoke gets in your eyes, clothes, gardens, homes and can even reduce visibility on roads.  

Safety – Fire can spread to fences, buildings and scorch trees and plants.  Cans, bottles and cannisters may explode when rubbish is burned.  

It is not illeagal to have a bonfire but only do so as a last resort.

What is the alternative?

Composting – This will produce a useful soil conditioner for your garden and will convert waste into a valuable resource and recylces nutients back onto the soil..  Further information can be found in the A to Z Services section of this webiste or by telephoning 01527 526392.

Recycling – Many items can be recycled within the Borough, there is lots of information regarding recyling on this website.  You can find it by following the link from the home page entitled ‘Live’.  

Alternatively, you could telephone 01527 526392.  In each area the recycling collection takes place on the same day as the normal refuse collection and residents can recycle paper, thin card, glass, cans, tins and textiles.  

Collection - For Bulky or extra rubbish collection enquiries please call Redditch 01527 534048.

Bonfires and the Law

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 lists smoke as a statutory nuisance when 'smoke, fumes or gases emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance'.  The bonfire would have to be a recurrent problem which interferes substaintially with the enjoyment of your home.

Burning of commercial waste and emitting black smoke is a direct offence under the Clean Air Act 1993.  

The Good Bonfire Guide

THE COUNCIL WOULD PREFER YOU NOT TO HAVE A BONFIRE, however should you decide to burn, please take heed to the following precautions:

• Inform your neighbours.
• Burn dry material only.
• Do not use flammable liquid to encourage a bonfire.
• Check weather conditions, damp still days and evenings can cause smoke to hang in the air.  Also, if windy, the smoke could be blown towards neighbouring properties.
• Do not burn household rubbish and itmes containing plastic, foam, paint, rubber or bottles and cans as they could expolde when burnt.
• Try not to burn at weekends or bank holidays.
• Never leave a bonfire smouldering or unattended.  Fire can spread to fences or buildings and scorch trees and plants.
• Check for hibernating wildlife.

Should the council determine that a bonfire is causing a statutory nuisance, an abatement notice will be served and the person causing the nuisance may be prosecuted.

Bothered by bonfires?

If you are bothered by persistant bonfires in your neighbourhood, the Environmental Health Department can investigate

It is a common misconception that there are byelaws that specify times when bonfires can be lit – this is false.  Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, smoke from bonfires can be a statutory nuisance at any time of the day or night.  It would have to be a persistent problem which interferes with your well being, comfort or enjoyment of your property.  If this is the case, please contact james.linton@redditchbc.gov.uk or telephone 01527 534017.