Combustion Portal: Environmental Compliance for Combustion Processes
Open Burning

Open Burning

Introduction
Air Pollution Regulations
Solid Waste Issues
Stormwater Issues
More Resources


Introduction

The burning of leaves and brush, other vegetation, backyard trash burning, as well as construction site refuse burning results in smoke. Smoke is caused by incomplete combustion and it contains a number of hazardous air pollutants. Some of the components of smoke can cause cancer as well as other adverse health effects.


Air Pollution Regulations

Regulations restricting or prohibiting open burning are typically written and enforced by state, regional, and/or local governments. These rules are aimed at reducing the generation of smoke, preventing smoke and ash from impacting people and the environment, and preventing wildfires. Examples of typical regulations are given below:


Solid Waste Issues

Residential open burning of solid waste (e.g. in 55-gallon drums, etc.) produces ash that can contain toxic metals such as mercury, lead, chromium and arsenic. State and local solid waste rules may limit residential disposal options. Commercial sites (e.g., construction) must abide by federal/state solid waste disposal regulations, including hazardous waste regulations, if applicable. For more information on state regulations, see Hazardous Waste Resource Locator and Solid Waste Resource Locator.


Stormwater Issues

Open burning pits at construction sites need to be addressed by the stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP). See Construction Industry Compliance Assistance (CICA) Center and the Stormwater Resource Locator for state specific information.


More Resources

BurnBarrels.org. Information concerning the impacts of backyard refuse burning.

Construction & Demolition Debris Resource Locator. C&D wastes are a major source of solid waste. Locate regulatory information and other compliance assistance, lists of C&D landfills, and pollution prevention resources for your state.

NCMS   Compliance Assistance Centers EPA

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