Many complaints are received about smoke caused by bonfires, and there is a great deal of misunderstanding concerning the law on this subject. This note attempts to clarify the position.

  • There are no times when bonfires may be lit as of right.
  • The law requires that smoke emission from any source that causes a nuisance must be avoided.
  • Residents are advised to dispose of garden waste by making a compost heap. This converts green garden waste into valuable compost  which can be used as a soil conditioner, and thus takes away the need for bonfires.
  • Some woody garden waste, such as rose prunings or fruit canes, are difficult to compost. If these are to be burnt they must be allowed to dry before burning.
  • Any bonfire that is considered to be essential must be carefully started with a small amount of dry material, and properly attended, so that it can be built up as the heat increases.

At no time must fresh, green plant material be placed on a bonfire, and under no circumstances should a bonfire be heaped up and left to smoulder.

  • Observing these rules will ensure that dry plant materials are burnt with minimum smoke emission and will avoid committing an offence.
  • Garden refuse can also be taken to one of the borough's three Household Waste and Recycling centres, and deposited in the skips provided for this purpose. See below for details of these centres.
  • All household refuse must be disposed of either in the normal refuse collection bin, by taking to a Household Waste and Recycling Centre, or by the Special Collection Service for large items such as furniture, mattresses etc. Most items of bulky household waste can be collected free. Call Waltham Forest Direct, on 020 8496 3000, for details.
  • Any waste material as a result of DIY activity must be disposed of in the correct manner at a Household Waste and Recycling Centre. Material resulting from building works at a house should be disposed of by the builder.

It is emphasised that residents are responsible for avoiding smoke emission that causes a nuisance, as this is an offence.

Failure to comply with this information and advice may result in legal proceedings and financial penalties.

Contact:

Environmental Health
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow  E17 4JF

email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
tel 020 8496 3000