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Bonfires
A bonfire should only be used to dispose of dry garden waste if composting or recycling is not an option, such as diseased plant material or tough woody waste. Please refer to the recycling page for guidance on recycling and composting. Useful information about bonfires can be found on the Environmental Protection UK website.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 it is an offence to cause a statutory nuisance. A statutory offence involves a persistent problem which includes smoke, fumes or gases emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance. This would need to be a persistent problem, interfering substantially with your well being, comfort or enjoyment of your property.
It is an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993 if a bonfire of industrial/commercial waste is emitting dark smoke.
To report a nuisance bonfire, please use our Report Nuisance Bonfires Form or contact the Enforcement Team (details below).
It is also an offence under the Highways Act 1980 to light a fire and allowing smoke to drift across the road. If you witness this, please report it to your local Police station.
Contact Details
The Enforcement team can be contacted via the Customer Service Centre on 01462 474000 or at service@north-herts.gov.uk.
Licensing and Enforcement
North Hertfordshire District Council
Council Offices
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 3JF
