Smoke and bonfires

Bonfires and environmental health

There are no set times in law which specify when burning may or may not take place. However, smoke from bonfires can be deemed to be a statutory nuisance if they are repetitive and unreasonable, and the risk to health or the use or enjoyment of another’s property is seriously affected. In such cases, the council can serve an abatement notice.

When having a bonfire 

Don't: 

• Have a bonfire during times of extremely hot, dry weather as it could have devastating consequences if it got out of control
• Burn household rubbish, rubber types, or anything containing plastic, foam or paint as this will cause pollution and harm people’s health
• Use fuel to light the fire or encourage it to burn, this can be very dangerous 
• Light a bonfire in unsuitable weather conditions, such as when it is wet as this will cause additional smoke, or when it is hot because many windows will be open
• Light a bonfire if you can see neighbours have washing out to dry
• Never allow bonfire smoke to drift across a road 
  
   

Do: 

• Warn your neighbours if you are going to have a bonfire
• Compost or recycle green waste
• Only burn dry material
  
   

Smoke Control Areas

There are currently no smoke control zones in Wokingham Borough.  

Visit GOV.UK for more information on Smoke Controlled Areas / Zones. 

Burning of trade waste 

It is an offence for a business to dispose of waste in a way that could cause environmental pollution or harm human health. If you are found burning trade waste you could be prosecuted and face imprisonment or an unlimited fine.  

Causing dark smoke is also an offence and each offence can incur a fine of £20,000 under the Clean Air Act 1993.  

If you want to burn plant or natural wood as part of your business, you must apply to the Environment Agency for a D7 exemption.  

Even if you do not burn the waste yourself it is your responsibility as a business to make sure your waste is disposed of in a suitable manner.

Report a business for burning its trade waste by email to asb@wokingham.gov.uk.

Submit a report

To report a complaint online please follow the button below and select the Noise and Nuisance complaint form on the left hand menu.

Submit a report