Burn Barrels Facts

Unhealthy

Smoke from burning garbage contains toxic compounds, often including dioxin, furans and other carcinogens. The ash, which some folks place on their garden, may contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.

Unnecessary

If you have a burn barrel, take a look at what you're burning. Most paper and cardboard can and should be recycled. Today, waste collection service is available nearly everywhere, and the collection businesses offer wheeled carts and recycling containers for convenient, economical, end-of-driveway service.

Unneighborly

You probably don't enjoy the stink of burning garbage, and neither does your neighbor. Think about how your decision to burn garbage affects others.

Usually Illegal

Open burning of household solid wastes, whether or not in a burn barrel, is prohibited by law, with limited exceptions. This prohibition includes all plastic materials, kitchen wastes, dirty or wet paper wastes, treated or painted wood, furniture, and demolition material - or any other material that creates a nuisance. The exceptions (for households only - not businesses) include (if not prohibited by local ordinance) lawn and garden debris, small quantities of clean, untreated, unpainted wood and clean paper waste that is not recyclable. Outdoor fires for cooking, or for "warming up" are okay and do not require any special approvals unless environmental conditions pose a great risk for forest fires. Provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - February, 2001

For More Information:

• DNR news release: Burn Barrels-Unhealthy, Unnecessary, and often used Illegaly
• Air Permit Frequently Asked Questions