Burning of Waste

The burning of waste is illegal. This includes the burning of waste in:

A barrel or exposed heap in a yard or garden
A purchased ready-made home incinerator
Burning commercial waste on a business premises or farmyard
Burning waste on a building site

Burning waste is not only a nuisance to neighbours, it can release many harmful chemicals into the air.

Such practices lead to the release of toxic dioxins which are a hazard for peoples’ health and the environment.

Many people may believe that they are doing the right thing in reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and saving money.

However, they are in fact causing long term environmental pollution and possible damage to their health and that of their children and neighbours.

The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 prohibits the burning of waste within the cartilage of a dwelling.

Failure to comply with these regulations is an offence and fines of up to €3,000 may be imposed.

If your neighbour or someone else you see is illegally burning waste, then in the interest of your own health and the environment, please report the incident by using our Environmental Complaints Form.

Burning of Agricultural Green Waste

The Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications confirmed that the practice of burning agricultural green waste ended on the 30 November 2023 with no further extension.

The following information leaflets provide help with the sustainable management of agriculture green waste: