Bonfires

Burning waste often gives rise to complaints, especially if the bonfire contains damp and smouldering garden or household waste. The smoke and smell can annoy people and even be a nuisance.

Although there are no local by-laws allowing or prohibiting bonfires, there are national laws that can be enforced to protect the environment and minimise nuisance from bonfires:

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows the Council to take action against any person having a bonfire that produces smoke on a frequent or persistent basis or which interferes substantially with a persons wellbeing at home. An abatement notice may be served to the person responsible for such persistent bonfires with the potential for heavy fines for non-compliance.

The Clean Air Act 1993 makes it an offence to produce dark smoke from any industrial or trade premises (including building contractors at your home), regardless of whether or not the smoke is or has been causing a nuisance. The maximum fine for a conviction under the Clean Air Act is £20,000.

To make sure that you stay on the right side of the law, download our free bonfire leaflet (Why not avoid a bonfire altogether by composting you garden waste?)

Composting waste is much healthier for you and the environment, and it also saves a journey to the local tip! A composting bin will improve the quality of the compost you produce and help to keep the garden tidy. Composting bins are available in most of the DIY and garden centres, or you can make one easily from wood and wire mesh. You can cover it with old carpet for insulation and to keep the rain out.

Larger items of household waste, such as old fridges, mattresses etc can be taken to any of the civic amenity sites:
• Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey
• Mill Lane, High Ongar
• Luxborough Lane, Chigwell

If you can’t take the item yourself, why not arrange for a special collection? Phone 01992 564 485 and ask for household waste special collections. Please note that charges apply.