Think Before You Burn Backyard Waste
Backyard burning refers to the burning of household rubbish by residents on their own property.
Rubbish typically burned essentially includes any materials that would otherwise be recycled or sent to a landfill:
- paper
- cardboard
- food scraps
- plastics
- yard trimmings.
Burning usually occurs in a 44 gallon drum, incinerator, wood stove, or open bonfire.
Air emissions from backyard burning are released directly to the atmosphere without being treated or filtered. Most people who burn their waste do not realise how harmful this practice is to their health and to the environment. It is also a nuisance to neighbours.
Complaints to councils in Tasmania regarding smoke from backyard burning are significant in number. Councils in Tasmania have approached the problem in various ways, for example, making by-laws that only allow burning in particular areas at specific times each month. You will need to contact your local council 
to determine what restrictions apply in your area.
There are many ways to avoid backyard burning:
- Councils provide waste collection services including recycling.
- Use your garden clippings as mulch.
- A number of councils provide a free garden waste pickup service several times a year for the larger items.
Further Information
For further information, please contact:
Air Specialist
134 Macquarie Street
GPO Box 1751
Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6233 3373
Fax: 03 6233 3800
Email: EnvironmentEnquiries@environment.tas.gov.au
See also
- Useful Links - Air Quality - links relating to air quality, air pollution and atmospheric science
