Construction & Demolition Bonfire

In the interest of avoiding unnecessary pollution and nuisance WRS recommend that construction sites should avoid having any bonfires. Whilst this is not a mandatory requirement, it will prevent the possibility of nuisance being caused to neighbours and potential subsequent action being taken by WRS.

Clean untreated timber and green waste is the only waste that can be legally burned on construction sites. To burn this waste a business needs to register a D7 exemption with the Environment Agency. This commercial waste must be burned on the site where it was produced and cannot be taken to another place for burning. Burning waste without an exemption is illegal and may lead to enforcement action.

For more information about registering a D7 exemption to burn waste from the Environment Agency or 03708 506 506 (open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).

However it should be borne in mind that due to the waste make up on site there is always a risk that foreign objects may be burnt that will give rise to inadvertent environmental offences.

If you are a contractor and want further advice on environmental impact of construction please follow the link to our WRS best practice guide. (This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Follow the link about how to request it in an accessible format.)