Allotments

Precautions and Guidance

The use of fires to dispose of waste is strongly discouraged as smoke creates a nuisance to other plot holders and neighbours.
It is strictly forbidden to bring waste onto an allotment site for burning.
Compostable material must not be burned.
Recyclable material must not be burned.
Bonfires must be built on the same day as they are lit to prevent harm to small mammals which use unlit bonfires as habitat.
The amount of material burned must be kept to a minimum. Where possible, use alternative methods of disposal such as a household waste recycling centre.
The duration of any fire should be minimised.
Bonfires must be of a manageable size, and never left unattended. Bonfires must be fully extinguished before the plot holder leaves the site. In order to reduce the nuisance of smoke:

• Keep smoke to a minimum by only burning dry waste
• Consider wind direction in order that smoke does not cause a nuisance to residents of nearby properties
• Never burn items that produce noxious smoke such as plastics, vinyl, rubber, carcasses etc.

Keep the fire small and under control at all times • Never use an accelerant to light or encourage the fire • Never dispose of garden chemicals on a fire • Never burn anything that could produce noxious fumes, including: household rubbish, rubber, plastic, paint, foam, carpets, aerosols, batteries, etc. • Do not burn green or damp materials – they will produce excessive smoke • Only burn if the wind is blowing smoke away from nearby houses and roads  • Never leave a fire unattended

Smoke nuisance from bonfires can generate a number of complaints to Hemsworth Town Council each year and we reserve the right to ban fires on sites where there is a persistent problem.

Only have a bonfire if absolutely necessary