Garden waste

Burning garden waste can cause smoke that affects neighbours and the wider area. If you are affected by someone burning garden waste, you can report it to us and our Environmental Health Officers will investigate.

We will assess the situation and decide what action is needed to stop the problem happening again.

If there is an immediate risk to people or property, you should contact the Fire Service instead.

If your concern is about a bonfire, please use the information on our bonfires page.

How to report burning garden waste

If smoke from burning garden waste is causing a problem, you can report it online. This helps us look into the issue and take appropriate action.

What the law says

The law protects residents from smoke that is harmful or causes a nuisance. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, smoke emitted from premises that is prejudicial to health or a nuisance is classed as a statutory nuisance. Where this applies, we can serve a legal notice on the person responsible to stop the activity.

Other ways to deal with garden waste

Burning is not the only option for garden waste. You can:

• use a burgundy bin if you have a garden waste permit
• compost garden waste at home
• take garden waste to a household waste and recycling centre
• arrange a garden waste uplift

Using these options helps avoid smoke and reduces the impact on neighbours.