Homeowners warned of £50,000 fine for wrong Bonfire Night materials

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 08:14 · Archive

Homeowners who burn the wrong materials on their bonfire risk fines of up to £50,000.

Homeowners planning bonfires for Bonfire Night must follow government guidelines to avoid significant penalties. Stan Staykov, founder of Rubbish Removal UK, has warned that burning the wrong materials could result in a fine of up to £50,000 or even a prison sentence.

Only certain materials are safe to burn. Homeowners should stick to dry, untreated and unpainted wood alongside small amounts of paper or cardboard to help start the fire. General household waste should never be burned on a bonfire.

Materials that must be avoided include painted, varnished or treated wood, household rubbish, rubber, tyres, foam materials, and wet or green garden waste that will create heavy smoke. These items should be taken to a waste recycling centre instead.

Staykov explained the reasoning behind the restrictions: 'Government guidance exists to help ensure that your fire doesn't cause a nuisance, cause pollution or harm anyone's health, including your own.' He added that people should avoid using Bonfire Night as an opportunity to dispose of household waste.

Homeowners must watch over their bonfire to ensure it remains under control at all times. Fines can be issued if smoke from the bonfire endangers local traffic or creates a nuisance in the neighbourhood.

How it is being reported

• Expert warns homeowners this Bonfire Night mistake could lead to £50,000 fineIf you are having a bonfire at home, it is important to comply to government guidelines otherwise you could be handed a £50,000 fine.This Is Local London · 4 Nov, 07:10
• Expert warns homeowners this Bonfire Night mistake could lead to £50,000 fineIf you are having a bonfire at home, it is important to comply to government guidelines otherwise you could be handed a £50,000 fine.News Shopper · 4 Nov, 07:10
• Expert warns homeowners this Bonfire Night mistake could lead to £50,000 fineIf you are having a bonfire at home, it is important to comply to government guidelines otherwise you could be handed a £50,000 fine.Wandsworth Guardian · 4 Nov, 07:10
• Expert warns homeowners this Bonfire Night mistake could lead to £50,000 fineIf you are having a bonfire at home, it is important to comply to government guidelines otherwise you could be handed a £50,000 fine.Croydon Guardian · 4 Nov, 07:10

In this story: Stan Staykov · Rubbish Removal UK

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