As the darker nights draw in, East Cambridgeshire District Council is advising residents to avoid being a bonfire bandit this autumn. While bonfires are often considered a welcome opportunity to get rid of garden waste there is lots to consider before striking a match.

Check for hedgehogs

This time of year, hedgehogs are looking for safe places to hibernate and piled up garden rubbish can provide the ideal nesting place. Always remember to check bonfires before setting fire to them. Consider providing a dedicated hedgehog house in your garden, which offers safe nesting accommodation.

Pull out pallets

It may be tempting to stack up piles of unwanted wooden pallets on your bonfire, but many contain preservatives that mean burning them pollutes the environment. Disposal of them is also regarded as commercial waste, which requires a proper licence to dispose of. To burn pallets legally you need to ensure you have prior permission from the Environment Agency.

Avoid oil-based products

Oil-based wastes, such as tyres, plastics, furnishings and polystyrene should not be burned under any circumstances, as these are harmful to the environment. You should also avoid dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins and batteries. 

Don’t fuel the risk of a fire

Bonfires can easily get out of hand, particularly during windy weather. Advice from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is to think twice about having a bonfire. If you do decide to go ahead they advise you to build them well away from fences, hedges and sheds. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire. You should also never leave a bonfire unattended and always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire.

Don’t smoke out the neighbours

Burning damp vegetation can cause thick smoke, which can cause a nuisance for neighbours. The council provides a green bin collection service which allows you to dispose of garden waste without the need for burning. Composting is a natural alternative to burning which reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and is a cost-effective way of improving your soil fertility. Visit our composting web page for further advice Alternatively, visit an organised display that should have taken all the above precautions in advance.

More information about bonfires is available on our website.