How to prevent a smoke nuisance
This page provides information on preventing a smoke nuisance.
Your responsibilities
Composting is a much better alternative to burning. A properly built compost heap will deal with most garden waste, leaves, grass cuttings, kitchen scraps, even paper and cardboard. Instead of causing pollution, you can save money by producing your own compost which is an excellent fertiliser and soil conditioner.
As for woody cuttings, these may be taken to any of the Devon County Council's civic amenity compounds
at the appropriate times (normally at weekends).
Do’s and don’t’s
If you decide though to have a bonfire, please:
Do ensure that only dry material is burnt, quickly and in small quantities so the minimum amount of smoke is created. An incinerator makes this much easier.
Do choose your bonfire site carefully, well away from trees, fences and windows. Beware of attempting bonfires on very windy days as it can so easily get out of control. Have a hose-pipe and buckets of water handy just in case.
Do advise your nearest neighbours before you light a bonfire so they can be prepared for any minor inconvenience that may arise.
Do not burn damp grass clippings or ‘green’ material as this creates thick smoke
Do not burn any oily rags, rubber, plastics, damp garden waste or other materials which would inevitably create heavy smoke or toxic fumes. Never add household rubbish or use sump oil to set it alight.
Do not light a fire when weather conditions will cause problems. Smoke hangs in the air on damp, windless days and in the evening around sunset.
Do not light a bonfire when your neighbours have washing drying, or are out enjoying their gardens or have windows wide open.
Do not light bonfires one hour before dusk, or leave them burning overnight. Choose the time of day and weather conditions that will cause the least inconvenience to neighbours.
Do not leave your fire to smoulder for long periods. Never leave a fire unattended. Hose it down until cold before you leave it or smother it with soil.
The ashes, when cold, can be raked into the soil as a useful fertiliser. Small pieces of charcoal can be included, but larger pieces should be picked out first.
This page provides information on preventing a smoke nuisance.
Your responsibilities
Composting is a much better alternative to burning. A properly built compost heap will deal with most garden waste, leaves, grass cuttings, kitchen scraps, even paper and cardboard. Instead of causing pollution, you can save money by producing your own compost which is an excellent fertiliser and soil conditioner.
As for woody cuttings, these may be taken to any of the Devon County Council's civic amenity compounds
at the appropriate times (normally at weekends).Do’s and don’t’s
If you decide though to have a bonfire, please:
Do ensure that only dry material is burnt, quickly and in small quantities so the minimum amount of smoke is created. An incinerator makes this much easier.
Do choose your bonfire site carefully, well away from trees, fences and windows. Beware of attempting bonfires on very windy days as it can so easily get out of control. Have a hose-pipe and buckets of water handy just in case.
Do advise your nearest neighbours before you light a bonfire so they can be prepared for any minor inconvenience that may arise.
Do not burn damp grass clippings or ‘green’ material as this creates thick smoke
Do not burn any oily rags, rubber, plastics, damp garden waste or other materials which would inevitably create heavy smoke or toxic fumes. Never add household rubbish or use sump oil to set it alight.
Do not light a fire when weather conditions will cause problems. Smoke hangs in the air on damp, windless days and in the evening around sunset.
Do not light a bonfire when your neighbours have washing drying, or are out enjoying their gardens or have windows wide open.
Do not light bonfires one hour before dusk, or leave them burning overnight. Choose the time of day and weather conditions that will cause the least inconvenience to neighbours.
Do not leave your fire to smoulder for long periods. Never leave a fire unattended. Hose it down until cold before you leave it or smother it with soil.
The ashes, when cold, can be raked into the soil as a useful fertiliser. Small pieces of charcoal can be included, but larger pieces should be picked out first.
To contact the Customer Service Centre:
Telephone: 01271 388870
For Typetalk: precede with 18001
Fax: 01271 388451
Email: customerservices@northdevon.gov.uk
Textphone (callers must have Typetalk compatible equipment; this number does not support voice communication or SMS): 01271 388786 (during our normal working hours)
Web form: send us a web enquiry
Our office hours are 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
For further information see the Environmental Health service contact page
