Autumn clean-up: Think before you burn

Autumn is a popular time to tidy up gardens and clear vegetation. The good news? Most green waste can be composted, mulched, or taken to the Deloraine Waste Depot. 

Burning should always be a last resort to help keep our air clean and our community healthy. 

What you need to know about backyard burning: 

➡️ Backyard burning is the burning of dry vegetation. 

➡️ It is an offence to burn on properties smaller than 2,000m², unless it’s done with the correct fire permit and all practicable steps are taken to minimise smoke and air pollution (including considering weather conditions and nearby neighbours). 

➡️ On properties larger than 2,000m², burning must not create an environmental nuisance, must comply with any fire permit, and you must take all reasonable steps to minimise excessive smoke. 

✅ Fires must always be supervised. 

✅ You must have enough water available to put the fire out quickly. 

🚫 Never burn prohibited waste. It is an offence to burn items such as: 

• Asbestos 
• Tyres 
• Coated wire 
• Paint and chemical containers or residues 
• Rubber 
• Painted or treated wood
• Plastic 
• Oil 
• Household waste 
• Linen 
• Foam rubber and polystyrene 

♻️ Recycling should always be your first option.

If something can’t be recycled, it must be taken to a facility that can lawfully receive it. 

Let’s work together to keep our air clean and our community safe this autumn.