Burning business waste is illegal and is strictly controlled by law.
Problems caused by businesses burning waste
- release of -
- harmful fumes
- odours
- nuisance smoke
- increase air pollution
- unpleasant smells harmful health effects for example -
- they pose a risk to children and vulnerable persons with asthma
- bronchitis
- heart conditions
- nuisance to local communities
- reduce visibility posing a risk to road safety
- pollution of the environment and harm to wildlife
- fire safety risks for example increased risks of damage to property and to life
The only exception is under an environmental permit, or exemption which has been authorised by the Environment Agency. If you wish to obtain further information please contact the Environment Agency by calling 03708 506 506
What is my responsibility as a business
It is the responsibility of all businesses to make sure at all times the wastes they produce are managed, disposed and recovered safely, responsibly and in accordance with the law.
Anyone who produces, imports, keeps, stores, transports, treats or disposes of waste has a legal obligation to take all reasonable steps to ensure wastes are managed in accordance with the law.
This duty of care is imposed on waste holders under section 34 Environmental Protection Act 1990 and requires steps to be taken, regardless as to who may act as a dealer or broker in waste, to comply with the legal obligations imposed on them. It may be an offence for any person not to comply with the obligations imposed on them under this duty of care.
How to report businesses burning waste
If you see any business burning waste and this is causing a nuisance, you can report this to us using the form below.
We investigate reports against people responsible for burning waste, if we can identify and locate the person responsible.
If you witness people or a business wastes we may ask you to provide a witness statement to confirm what has happened. If you have CCTV footage, images or videos relating to anything you report to us, please keep this safe until we contact you. If you are unwilling to provide a witness statement, this may prevent enforcement action being taken.
Any information we ask you to provide, will only be used to help us to take action against the person responsible. If you confirm you have photos or video footage, please keep this safe as you will be asked to provide this once you have completed this form.
You cannot use this form to request we -
- respond to bonfires or smoke causing a statutory nuisance from bonfires on household properties
- remove, dispose or repair damage caused to the public land/roads or open spaces
- respond to hazardous waste being burnt such as chemicals and asbestos – these should be reported immediately to the Environment Agency by calling 03708 506 506.
Reporting fires
If you see a fire that is unattended and poses a risk to life or property you should contact Humberside Fire and Rescue.
If any fire is causing smoke to blow across the highway and posing a risk to highway users, contact Humberside Police on 101 (non-emergency number), unless you feel this is an emergency in which case call 999.
Penalties
If we have enough evidence to identify and locate people responsible for burning business waste, this could result in -
- £400 fixed penalty
- enforcement notice
- enter land and carry out works in default
- recover any costs incurred (costs may be placed as a Local Land Charge on the land until paid, or recovered through the Courts)
- prosecution and if convicted an unlimited fine, imprisonment or both
Useful links
Access information on your waste and the law
Access information on our waste collection services
For details of other authorised persons, holders of environment permits and exemptions to help you recycle or dispose of your waste -
