Wed 11 Jan 2023

How to Burn Garden Waste Without Smoke

Let’s be very clear before we offer you further advice: it is not possible to burn garden waste and rubbish without producing smoke. Organic materials and plants including twigs, woods, branches, leaves, and grass will always burn to release gases and smoke when burned in your garden.

Whilst it’s not possible to burn garden waste without smoke being produced, there are still ways in which you can reduce how much smoke is being produced from your garden fire. If you scroll further down the page, you will find all our tips for burning garden waste without producing as much smoke as you might normally do.

In the list we recommend methods such as keeping the fire small and controlled, and only burning dry garden waste in a dug burn pit. It’s also possible to buy “smokeless burners” which are designed to decrease smoke emissions, but it is important to understand that they still do produce some smoke emissions.

It’s also important to understand that there are laws in the UK that make it illegal to burn garden waste if it will cause pollution or harm people’s health. This falls under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and is an offence under the Clean Air Act 1993.

Above all, if you are struggling to get rid of your garden waste and perhaps have too much to burn without making lots of annoying smoke in your neighbourhood, consider calling Zero Waste Group. We can often be with you the same day to clear your garden waste and rubbish in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner.

Now that plug is out of the way, here’s our guide to burning garden waste without as much smoke as you might normally generate.

How to burn garden waste without smoke

Here are the Zero Waste Group tips on how to reduce the amount of smoke generated when burning garden waste:

1. Only burn dry garden waste

To prevent excessive smoke during burning, only burn garden waste that is completely dry. Wet or damp materials tend to produce more smoke. If you can’t get it dry, you can call us to remove your garden waste.

2. Use a little kindling

To start the fire, use a small amount of dry paper or kindling. This will help the garden waste fire ignite quickly and burn hotter, resulting in less smoke.

3. Use a burn pit or chiminea

Use a designated burn pit or chiminea that is specifically designed for burning garden waste. Chiminea will have better ventilation, which can reduce smoke.

4. Keep the fire contained

Keep the fire small and contained. Larger garden waste fires tend to produce more smoke. Consider burning smaller amounts of waste at a time to minimize smoke production.

5. Burn during preferable weather

Some days are better than others for burning. If you burn garden waste in low winds, high pressure, and low humidity, it will make it easier for the smoke to dissipate.

6. Consider the alternatives

Research alternative options like composting or green waste collection services available in your area.Please note that burning garden waste could release pollutants that are harmful to health and the environment. Always check and follow local council regulations. We recently wrote about the laws of burning garden waste in the UK.