Industrial & Commercial Bonfire

WRS discourages businesses from having bonfires as there is a risk of unnecessary air pollution which may give rise to a range of offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Clean Air Act 1993. However if businesses decide to burn they must ensure that the bonfire and waste must adhere to the following criteria:

• The material should consist of clean untreated timber and green waste only. To burn this waste a business needs to register a D7 exemption with the Environment Agency (predominantly aimed at arboriculturists).
• 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.
• Bonfires must not give rise to dark or black smoke from the burning of waste materials in accordance with the requirements of the Clean Air Act 1993.
• Bonfires must not give rise to a statutory smoke nuisance to members of the public under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
• Smoke from bonfires must not give rise to any visual obstruction on a public highway which may give rise to a hazard to road users under the Highways Act 1980. Incidents can be reported to the West Mercia Police.

If you are affected by commercial burning of waste you can report it to the Environment Agency on the Incident Hotline on 0800 807060, a free phone 24 hour service.

Or alternatively by contacting WRS by e-mail: enquiries@worcsregservices.gov.uk