[A]s bonfire night is approaching, The Environment Agency is reminding people in Cumbria it’s illegal to burn many types of waste and setting fire to treated wood, tyres, plastics, rubber and oil can seriously harm health and pollute the environment.
Every year on November 5, bits of old furniture, tyres, treated wood and other unsuitable materials from waste processes are used to build up the bonfire.
Organisers are being asked to be vigilant as to the materials deposited on their bonfire to prevent others from dumping illegal waste on it by keeping the location secure. People will use Bonfire night as an excuse to burn old furniture, mattresses or even household rubbish.
Organisers and households should only burn clean, non-commercial waste, so if you’re organising a bonfire night make sure you know where the bonfire material has come from and that it is suitable. Those who are involved in the deposit and burning of waste sourced from waste operators will need to have an environmental permit and without one you are committing an offence.
People face a fine of up to £50,000 for illegally managing and disposing of waste. More information and guidance on materials which are safe to burn on a bonfire and further information for organisers of bonfire and firework events can be found on .GOV website.
If the Environment Agency suspects illegal waste is to be burnt at an event, or there is a harm to the environment, they are able to issue a STOP notice which will prevent an event from taking place.
Steve Molyneux, Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said: We want people to enjoy themselves but the uncontrolled and excessive burning of the wrong waste can cause pollution and damage people’s health. Burning wastes such as plastics and demolition waste is against the law and those who disregard the rules are not only harming the environment but risk a hefty fine and damage to their reputation.
“We encourage people to make sure they dispose of their waste legally and safely, and be aware that their community bonfire could be targeted by unscrupulous waste businesses who want to find somewhere to dispose of waste, resulting in the illegal burning of commercial waste.”
Organisers should ensure that they know where the bonfire material has come from and it is suitable. If anyone sees any suspicious activities they should contact us on 0800 807060 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.
