The word bonfire originated in medieval times when people celebrated happy occasions by burning animal bones. Although bones are no longer burned, modern day bonfires still cause pollution and local nuisance. Bonfires may be fun for some but they are not the most environmentally friendly method of getting rid of your rubbish.

What's wrong with a good old fashioned bonfire ?

Every year Runnymede Borough Council receives many complaints from residents regarding smoke, smuts and smells from bonfires at neighbouring properties. Smoke can ruin your neighbours' enjoyment of their gardens, prevent them from opening their windows or hanging washing out, and reduce visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads.

Bonfires cause air pollution. Burning garden waste will produce smoke especially if it is damp and smouldering rather than dry and blazing. Like tobacco smoke, this will contain the poisonous gas carbon monoxide and other noxious or irritating compounds. Burning plastic, rubber or painted materials not only creates an unpleasant smell but also produces a range of poisonous compounds.

Although these compounds can have damaging health effects, exposure to bonfire smoke is short-lived and serious harm is unlikely. However, problems may be caused for susceptible people such a children, asthmatics, and bronchitis sufferers or those with heart problems. Remember, even if the immediate health risk is small, you bonfire will be adding to the general background level of air pollution. Air quality in the UK often hits the official 'poor' level - do you really want to make it worse?

Weather conditions, of course, can make matters worse. If the air is still, smoke will linger in the air. A dry, blazing bonfire will help to lift smoke and fumes upwards. Obviously in windy weather, smoke may blow into neighbouring properties and across roads causing annoyance or danger.

Always remember that bonfires can be dangerous from a safety point of view by spreading fire to fences or buildings, or scorching trees and plants. Exploding cans and bottles can also be a hazard when general rubbish is burned. Also bonfires are often used as a refuge by animals so look out for hibernating hedgehogs and sleeping pets.

What's the alternative ?

Do you really need to burn? Alternative disposal methods which are far less environmentally damaging are available.

Composting and recycling

Most garden and kitchen waste, even cardboard and paper, can be recycled into compost. Rather than burning garden waste or sending food waste off in the dustbin to be buried, a compost bin will produce a useful soil conditioner, thus saving money on commercial products.

Woody waste can be shredded to make it suitable for composting or mulching. You can buy or hire shredders and some allotment societies have their own. Please remember though that shredders can be noisy - don't replace one nuisance with another.

Advice on composting is available from the following organisations:

National Centre for Organic Gardening,
Ryton or Dunsmore, Coventry. CV8 3LG

and/or

Centre for Alternative Technology,
Machynlleth, Powys. SY20 9AZ

Household waste should not be burned on a bonfire. Many items can be recycled. Recycling directories are available from the Environmental Services Department at Runnymede Borough Council.

Collection

You are not permitted to dispose of garden waste in your wheeled bin.  Instead a chargeable green waste service in now provided (go to the recycling pages on the website for more information). Waste may also be taken to the local amenity site. Old beds, sofas and furniture are not suitable for burning and if you can't take them to an amenity site, the Environmental Services Department may be able to arrange a special collection for you for a reasonable fee. Fridges and freezers are collected for £26 each or if taken to a civic amenity site in a car they can be disposed of free of charge. Some voluntary groups may also collect old furniture for repair and re-use.

What's the legal position ?

There are no specific laws to prohibit bonfires. If used sensitively, an occasional bonfire, or barbecue, should not cause a major problem and an outright ban would be unreasonable. However, if a neighbour is causing a continuing nuisance by burning rubbish frequently, the law is on your side.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is an offence to cause a statutory nuisance. This includes smoke, fumes or gases "emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance", and can include nuisance created by bonfires. To be considered a possible nuisance, the bonfire would have to be a regular problem and interfering substantially with your well-being, comfort or enjoyment of your property.

If you are bothered by persistent bonfire smoke speak to your neighbour and explain the problem. They may not be aware of the distress they are causing and it might make them more considerate in the future. If this approach fails, contact your local Council's Environmental Health Department. They will take reasonable steps to investigate your complaint and can take action under the Environmental Protection Act by issuing a Nuisance Abatement Notice if necessary. If you wish, you can take private, action under the same Act, in the Magistrates' Court. NSCA (National Society for Clean Air & Environmental Protection) produces an information sheet called "Pollution, Nuisance and the Law" which explains the legal position in more detail - send a SAE if you would like a copy. (NSCA, 136, North Street, Brighton. BN1 1RG)

Remember, if the fire is only occasional this is unlikely to be considered a nuisance. Similarly, if you are being troubled by a series of bonfires from different neighbours, each one of whom only burns occasionally, this will not be considered a nuisance because no single individual can be held responsible. In this situation all you can do is encourage them to consider the alternatives - give them a copy of this leaflet !

Finally, under the Highways (Amendment) Act 1986, anyone lighting a fire and allowing smoke to drift across a road faced a fine if it endangers traffic. Contact the police in this case.

But I like Bonfires

Bonfires may be a convenient way of getting rid of a large amount of waste, or perhaps you want a bonfire just for fun; on Guy Fawkes' night for instance. Some people simply like making fires! If you must have a bonfire, it's only fair to warn your neighbours (and they are much less likely to complain if you do). Remember that bonfire and barbecue parties can cause noise as well as smoke - two good reasons for letting them know in advance. And don't save up your old junk to burn on bonfire night - why not go to an organised event instead!

The Good Bonfire Guidelines

• Only burn dry material
• Never burn household rubbish, rubber tyres, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint.
• Never use old engine oil, meths or petrol to light the fire or to encourage it.
• Avoid lighting a fire in unsuitable weather conditions - smoke hangs in the air on damp, still days and in the evening.
• Avoid burning when the wind will carry the smoke over roads or into other people's property.
• Avoid burning at weekends and on bank holidays when people want to enjoy their gardens.
• Avoid burning when the air quality in your area is "poor" or "very poor". (You can check this by ringing 0800 556677).
• Never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder - douse it with water if necessary.