With Bonfire Night fast approaching, the Environment Agency anticipate an increase in illegal burning of waste.
It is illegal to burn most types of waste. Burning waste such as treated wood, tyres, plastics, rubber and oil can seriously harm health and pollute the environment.
Only paper, clean wood and cardboard should be burned for cultural events such as Bonfire Night, and the conditions of the Environment Agency’s regulations must be complied with.
As well as the environmental harm and nuisance bonfires can cause, burning most types of waste is illegal and can carry a fine of up to £50,000.
The types of incidents that need reporting to the Environment Agency include:
- Burning of waste illegally (such as plastic, treated wood, rubber etc) from any industrial or commercial business
- Burning of hazardous waste such as tyres, asbestos and plasterboard
- Incidents involving other hazardous materials and substances
- Fires and explosions at permitted and illegal waste sites
- Large scale waste deposits (several large tipper trucks of waste or more)
- Pollution to a watercourse, this includes from fire water run off
If you see any illegal waste fires, report them to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
Carrying out daily patrols, Knowsley Council’s Streetscene teams will be on hand to remove incidents of fly-tipping that could be used for anti-social fires. You can report fly tipping online here.
You can also report unlit bonfires to Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service here.
Bonfires and your health
Any fire can cause a significant risk to the environment or human health. Fireworks and bonfires can increase air pollution levels, triggering breathing and heart problems, especially for children, older people and anyone with asthma/COPD or heart disease. Find out more: Fireworks and bonfires with a lung condition | Asthma + Lung UK
To reduce exposure, stand well back from fires, keep windows closed and avoid extra smoke sources on smoky evenings (e.g. BBQs, fire pits). If you have a lung condition, carry your reliever inhaler and follow your action plan. You can also reduce the negative impact using a log burner or open fire can have on your health.
Report criminal and anti-social behaviour
In an emergency always call 999.
To report to Merseyside Police call 101, via the Merseyside Police website or by direct message on Facebook and X @MerPolCC
You can also anonymously tell Police about areas where you feel unsafe because of anti-social behaviour via ‘StreetSafe’.
Or report anonymously to:
Knowsley’s Crime and Communities Team by emailing Safer.Knowsley@knowsley.gov.uk
Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111