Pollution control - air

How we provide this service

Information about air pollution control is supported by Community & Neighbourhood Services, Safety & Environment.

Domestic Bonfires

South Holland receive around 200 complaints every year about bonfires. Smoke and odour from bonfires can stop people enjoying their homes and gardens and even affect people's health.

There are other ways of getting rid of waste without burning:

• Compost garden and kitchen waste
• Domestic waste can be taken to various Council refuse sites
• Recycle your waste
• Large household items can be collected by the Council
• Grey garden sacks can be bought from the Council and collected with your normal refuse.

If you must have a bonfire...

To avoid complaints and possible legal action:

• Site your bonfire away from fences, hedges or buildings.
• Only burn dry material
• Never burn rubber, plastic or paint. Don't be tempted to use petrol or other inflammable liquids to start a bonfire.
• Inform neighbours that you are planning to have a bonfire
• Take account of wind direction to prevent smoke blowing into neighbours gardens or across roads.
• Avoid burning during periods when neighbours may be spending time in their gardens.
• Supervise the bonfire at all times and do not hesitate to contact the Fire and Rescue Service if safety to people or buildings are at risk.

For further details on collecting or recycling waste contact our Customer Services Department or Recycling Officer on 01775 761161.

What to do to get this service

If you wish to make a complaint:

• You will need to establish where the bonfire is, without this information we will be unable to investigate.
• We will ask you to keep a record of the bonfires and how they affect you.
• The person having the bonfires will be contacted and informed a complaint has been made against them.

Your complaint is dealt with in complete confidence, but it may be obvious to the person who has made a complaint against them. If the case results in Court action your identity may have to be disclosed.

How long will the whole process take?

Usually we will ask you to keep records for up to one month, depending on the information you send us we may also need to monitor the situation ourselves.

Common Questions

Q. Aren't bonfires illegal?
A. No: There is no law stating that domestic bonfires are illegal. However, under certain circumstances, smoke from a bonfire can be considered a statutory nuisance and dealt with under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

A bonfire every few months would not constitute a statutory nuisance but it would be considered a nuisance if it was occurring on a regular basis and you had to shut your windows or were unable to enjoy your garden.

How do you rate this information / service?

Contact Details

If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.

Related Services: