Bonfires

What laws are there to control garden bonfires?

The law allows people to have a bonfire at any time of the day providing that the smoke given off from the fire does not cause a nuisance to other people's premises.

Generally for a nuisance to be suffered the smoke from the bonfire must affect other people's premises to such an extent that normal use of those premises is not possible. Conditions that may give rise to a statutory nuisance could be:

• smoke entering people's houses
• smoke blowing across gardens and preventing normal use of the garden
• smoke affecting people's washing or
• hot ash and cinders landing on people's property.

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What is a smoke nuisance?

Smoke which amounts to a nuisance can be either continuous, or intermittent, but in either case the effect on your comfort, or quality of life must be a material one and your response to the smoke must be wholly reasonable.

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How can I have a bonfire without causing a nuisance?

If you must have a bonfire be considerate towards your neighbours:

• only burn dry material
• never leave a fire unattended
• never use petrol, paraffin, diesel, lighter fluid or old oil to encourage the fire
• avoid having a bonfire at weekends or bank holidays
• warn people nearby that could be affected and
• avoid damp or still weather conditions as the smoke will not disperse effectively.

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How else can I get rid of my waste?

Bulky refuse collection

Larger items such as old beds are not suitable for burning as they release large amounts of smoke or toxic fumes. Collections of bulky household waste can be arranged through the Council's Special Waste Collection Service. There is a charge made for this service, which is at a reduced rate if you are a senior citizen or you receive Disability Living Allowance.

Composting

Kitchen and garden waste can be composted.

Disposal

Garden refuse can be disposed of at your local household waste recycling site.

Garden waste collection

Details of the kerbside garden waste collection service are available in the Recycling Directory.

Recycling

Many household items can be recycled see the Recycling Directory for further information.

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When is the tip open?

Surrey County Council provides details on the location and operating hours of a number of local household waste recycling sites.