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Contact Details

Elmbridge Borough Council
Civic Centre,
High Street,
Esher,
Surrey,
KT10 9SD
Tel: 01372 474474
|General Enquiry

Bonfires

There are no byelaws governing domestic bonfires, however, there are always alternatives to burning. Burning of waste by commercial companies is generally illegal.

How do I deal with a nuisance bonfire?

| Image of a domestic bonfire Domestic bonfire nuisance advice

| Image of a commercial bonfire Industrial and construction bonfire advice

Image of domestic bonfire What's wrong with having a bonfire?

Air Pollution

Smoke is produced - especially if waste is green and damp.
Pollutants are emitted - including particles and dioxins.
Burning plastic, rubber, fabric or painted materials creates noxious fumes and poisonous compounds.

Health Effects

The increase in air pollution can have dangerous health effects, especially on the vulnerable, such as:

asthmatics
bronchitis sufferers
people with heart conditions
children and the elderly.

Annoyance

Smoke, ash and smell from bonfires are the subject of about 30,000 complaints to local authorities each year.

The smoke from a bonfire prevents neighbours:

enjoying their gardens
opening windows
hanging out washing
entertaining outside.

Smoke also reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads.

What are the alternatives to having a bonfire?

| Link to Garden Waste Service Garden waste collection service

| Link to Home Composting Home composting

| Link to Recycling Centres Recycling centres