Backyard Burning of Waste Control

Laois County Council may take action against those who carry out unauthorised burning of waste.

What is Backyard Burning of Waste?

It is the:

  • Burning of waste in a barrel or exposed heap (bonfire) in a yard or garden
  • Burning in a purchased ready-made "home incinerator" that are sold nationwide.
  • Burning of commercial and/or industrial waste on a business premises or farmyard
  • Burning of waste on a building site
  • Householders burning waste in their own yard or garden, either in an open pile or in a barrel. This is also generally known as “backyard burning”.
  • Burning of cut tree limbs, hedge clippings or other green waste resulting from landscaping/gardening works.
  • Burning of waste in open fires, ranges and other solid fuel burners/appliances within the home i.e. using waste as an alternative fuel source.

Backyard burning of waste is illegal and is subject to prosecution.

Is it an offence to dispose of waste by burning?

The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 make explicit the offence of disposal of waste by uncontrolled or unregulated burning and outlines the actions which are prohibited, including disposal of household waste within the curtilage of a building.  (That means that no waste may be disposed of by burning within a house or garden.) The use of waste burners is also illegal.

Incidents of waste burning will be investigated by Waste Enforcement staff and Laois County Council will instigate legal action against offenders.

Can you dispose of Agricultural green waste by burning

Statutory notice to burn agricultural waste: The exemption for agricultural green waste burning ended on the 30th November 2023

Is the burning of waste in bonfires illegal?

Yes, It should not be used as an excuse to burn household and hazardous waste that has built up. Problems that can arise from bonfires include smoke that is potentially toxic, hazardous substances that can explode and cause injury and ground and water pollution from the ashes of the fire.

How can I make a burning complaint?

If you wish to report a backyard burning incidence, please contact our Litter and Waste Hotline on 1800 323230 or email environadmin@laoiscoco.ie 

More information on burning waste

Read more about burning waste on the Environmental Protection Agency's website.

You can check air quality in your local area on AirQuality.ie.

Note: This page is a guide only. It does not purport to provide, and should not be relied upon as, a legal interpretation of the Regulations. Laois County Council advises you to read the Regulations in full