Burning of Waste

The Waste Management Act (Prohibition of Waste by Burning) Regulations 2009

The unauthorised burning of waste is prohibited by Sections 32 and 39 of the Waste Management Act. In addition, a law concerning waste disposal by burning has been in force since 2009 and prohibits the disposal of waste by burning and the prevention of environmental pollution by such disposal. A holder of waste shall not dispose of it by burning.

The purpose of the above Regulations is to make more explicit the offence of disposal of waste by uncontrolled or unregulated burning and specifies the actions which are prohibited by the Regulations, including disposal of household waste within the curtilage of a building and backyard burning of waste. Waste burners are also outlawed unless regulated under the Air Pollution Act.

Link to Video on back yard burning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh17hDY8EBM

Wildlife Act 1976 as amended 2000

Burning during interval 1st March – 31st August

Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife Act 2000, restricts the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means, of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife from the 1st March to the 31st August.

It is the policy of DEHLG to prosecute where there appears to have been a breach of the law and anyone wishing to burn vegetation should first clarify that their proposed works are lawful.

Anyone wishing for further information should call 01-8883240 or contact their local NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife) Ranger.

Burning of waste generated by agricultural practices

An extension has been granted to the Prohibition of Waste Disposal by burning regulations until 1 January 2023. Farmers wishing to dispose of wastes generated by agricultural practices by burning must apply to their local authority for a permit to do so.