Smokey garden fires are no longer an acceptable means of disposing of rubbish.
The increase in the number of complaints received by Council means that there is less tolerance to the smokey back yard fires.
Within the city boundary, fires must be contained in an approved incinerator.
With greater public awareness of environmental matters, public attitudes are changing. The Resource Management Act and the Health Act place obligations on residents to refrain from creating smoke nuisances.
If burning is the best option, then any airborne pollutants must be harmless. This means you should consider the following.
Material to be burned
It is preferable to avoid burning anything in an incinerator. Alternatives are composting of appropriate material, sorting domestic refuse for recycling or rubbish collections, pick up of garden refuse by private contractor, or taking garden waste to the composting facility.
DO NOT BURN:
- Treated wood
- Wet or green garden waste
- Plastics or rubber
- Food scraps
- Accelerants such as petrol
Burning cannot be carried out by setting fire to a "heap" of waste. It must be in a proper incinerator and the following conditions must be complied with:
- Incinerators or fires shall only be lit during the open fire season (see our Civil Defence status page for current city fire season status)
- Ensure the burning equipment is in sound condition, that incinerators have a lid, chimneys and flues are clean, and that Council bylaws and Fire service conditions are met:
- Fire places or incinerators shall not be within 5 metres of buildings, streets, public places or adjoining boundaries.
- Fires shall not be lit or remain alight between sunset and sunrise.
- A permit is not required by Council for an incinerator during the open fire season, but for all other fires to be lit in the open in town, a permit is required all year round.
Nuisance
Ensure that no foul odours or dense smoke (e.g. from wet wood) are emitted.
Weather conditions
Avoid incinerator burning if the wind is blowing toward a neighbours property or there is no wind. Washing and wet paint are particularly susceptible to smoke. If in doubt, contact your neighbour.
Frequency
The occasional incineration of small amounts of dry garden waste in suitable conditions may be acceptable, but not every week.