With Hallowe’en just around the corner, the Environmental Protection Agency is reminding households and businesses in Mayo not to use bonfires or fireplaces to dispose of household or hazardous waste.
New regulations introduced in July have strengthened the law against backyard and fireplace burning. In essence the burning of household waste is prohibited unless you have a waste licence, and this includes burning household waste in a domestic fireplace.
It is an offence to ignore or breach these new regulations, and fines of up to €3,000 can be imposed. With many people collecting materials for use in bonfires, the EPA wants to remind people that anyone collecting household waste, other than Mayo County Council, is required to carry a waste collection permit.
“Hallowe’en is a fun time for children and adults alike and should be a safe experience,” said Dara Lynott, director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement. “It should not be used as an excuse to burn household and hazardous waste that has built up. Problems that can arise from bonfires include smoke that is potentially toxic, hazardous substances that can explode and cause injury, and ground and water pollution from the ashes of the fire. It is also important to remember that burning of household waste in your backyard, fireplace, or a waste burner is also illegal and can lead to a fine of up to €3,000.”
Meanwhile, burning waste in fireplaces, which causes a release of dioxins, has the added danger of increasing the chances of a chimney fire. Often materials that seem innocuous, like wood or paper, are treated with chemicals such as paint, glue, and preservatives. Smoke and ash from these burnt materials rise up the flue and stick to the inside of the chimney, increasing the chances of it catching fire.
According to research on Irish people’s attitudes on environmental issues, one in 10 adults admits to burning household waste. This remains a problem, even though 80 per cent of adults are aware of the environmental and health risks associated with backyard burning. Forty per cent are aware that backyard burning is the greatest source of dioxins in Ireland.
Some local authorities organise approved bonfire events at this time of the year. You should check with Mayo County Council for further information on such events. If people are concerned about waste accumulating for potential burning, they should contact Mayo County Council or the fire service, or phone the illegal dumping line on 1850 365 121 so that the matter can be investigated.
