Bonfires

Burning of commercial waste

It is an offence to produce dark smoke from industrial or trade premises. Action can be taken under the Clean Air Act for dark smoke and a fine up to £20,000 can be issued.

It is an offence to burn cable on a bonfire with the intention to recover the metal.

Incidents of industrial waste burning are reported to the Environment Agency who may prosecute under their legislation.

Environmental permit

You must have an environmental permit if you operate a business which carries out activities such as:

  • burning fuels
  • storing chemicals in bulk
  • manufacturing certain materials
  • incinerating or recovering waste

Please check if you require a permit at: Environmental permit

Danger to traffic by smoke

You could be fined if you light a fire and you allow the smoke to drift across the road.