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Bonfire Night - A Message From Galway County Council
New regulations strengthening the law against waste disposal by uncontrolled burning
Galway County Council wishes to advise the public that the lighting of bonfires at Halloween or on Bonfire Night should be undertaken with great care for health, safety and environmental reasons. The traditional bonfires burned wood and straw. Nowadays old tyres, furniture, plastic and other household waste are often the main material burned illegally in bonfires, which, in turn, causes pollution. These waste types are made of many components which, when burned, produce toxic fumes. The bonfire does not destroy these toxic fumes. They are emitted into the air we breathe. Once released these toxins may persist for a long time in our environment and some of these may have a long-term and cumulative negative effect on our health and our environment.
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government recently signed new regulations strengthening the law against waste disposal by uncontrolled burning.
Under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal By Burning) Regulations 2009 it is now an offence to burn any waste, other than uncontaminated (free of dangerous substances, preservatives or other artificial impregnation or coating) wood, trees, tree trimmings, leaves, brush, or other similar waste generated by agricultural practices only provided prior notice and agreement has been granted by the relevant local authority.
Under the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended) it is now a criminal offence to give your waste to anyone who does not hold a permit to collect same.
The Air Pollution Act 1987 obliges everybody not to cause or allow emissions in such a quantity, as to be a nuisance or cause Air Pollution. The Waste Management Act 1996 prohibits the burning of any waste except in accordance with a permit.
The Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2007 obliges wholesalers and retailers of tyres to transfer waste tyres to authorised waste collectors only and to keep detailed records of same.
For further information on waste management or the burning of waste contact Mark Molloy Assistant Environmental Awareness Officer Galway County Council 091-476402