Brits issued £50k Bonfire Night fine warning

As families prepare for Bonfire Night, waste collection experts warn which items should and should never be used in a bonfire in order to avoid hefty fines. While many people see bonfires as an easy way to get rid of unwanted rubbish such as old furniture, scrap wood, or household waste, burning these materials releases toxic fumes, according to the experts. They also produce fine particulate matter, which are microscopic particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, worsening air quality and posing serious health risks.

Burning waste that produces dark smoke can also leave you tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket, as it is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Brits can be hit with a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment. Local authorities can issue on-the-spot penalties for smaller offences too, especially if a bonfire produces nuisance smoke or threatens nearby property.

The Environment Agency runs campaigns each year warning people not to “burn a hole in their pocket” by lighting illegal bonfires, while fire services across the UK report sharp rises in related incidents.

If you’re hosting a bonfire, experts advise sticking to clean, dry materials only - bonfires should never be used as a way to dispose of waste.

Mark Hall, waste collection expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “Every year we see people lighting bonfires with whatever rubbish they can find, from plastic packaging to old furniture. Not only is that illegal, it is also dangerous to neighbouring houses but also your health.

“Most people don’t set out to break the law, but they often don’t realise that burning household waste counts as illegal disposal. If it produces dark or chemical smoke, you’re risking a hefty fine and serious environmental harm.”

He added that, if you’re unsure how to safely dispose of waste materials, check your local council’s collection service or recycling site instead of burning it.

“You’ll avoid fines, protect your health, and help improve overall air quality, which is beneficial for everyone.”

He continued: “Remember, if you wouldn’t safely breathe it in, you shouldn’t be burning it. So dispose of waste properly and enjoy Bonfire Night safely without putting your community or the environment at risk.”

• Dry, untreated, unpainted wood
• Small amounts of plain paper or cardboard for kindling
• Dry garden waste such as twigs, leaves, and small branches

• Painted, varnished, or treated wood
• Household rubbish, furniture, plastics, or packaging
• Rubber, tyres, or foam materials
• Wet or green garden waste that creates heavy smoke