Frequently Asked Questions:
Burning of Waste Materials

Can my small business burn pallets and cardboard in our back parking lot?

No, small businesses are regulated under Waste Management and Air Management regulations. The Department has determined that all commercial and industrial sources must dispose of their waste materials consistently and that, due to air emissions and ash disposal concerns, solid waste may not be incinerated on a business' property unless the Department grants written approval. A wood burning facility license may be issued to sources burning clean wood if they meet all applicable regulations. Contact your local waste management specialist or air management engineer if you have further questions.

My neighbor is burning garbage and plastics in his burn barrel or outdoor wood burner. Is he allowed to do this?

No. Air Management regulations prohibit the burning of wet rubbish and plastics, either in the open or in a burn barrel. When these materials are burned, hazardous air pollutants are formed and emitted. In an outdoor wood burner, we would expect even more hazardous air pollutants would be formed, due to the increased pressure, temperature and chemical reaction potentials. If you believe someone is burning improperly, be prepared to give detailed information on the time the burning occurs, what is being burned, the homeowner's name and address and what steps you have already taken to correct the problem. The Department would prefer that local municipalities (cities, villages and towns) pass and enforce local ordinances addressing the issue, rather than relying on the DNR to enforce compliance. If you would like assistance in drafting a local ordinance, please contact your local Air Management Engineer or the DNR Forestry Program.

See also: DNR Open Burning Web pages.

FAQ

Last Review Date: July 24, 2006
Next Review Date: July 24, 2007
Last Revised: Tuesday January 16 2007