With Bonfire Night fast approaching, businesses in the events sector hosting outdoor displays are being reminded to stay compliant with waste and environmental laws. It is important that they know what materials are safe and unsafe to burn, as the wrong materials can pose serious health hazards, but also legal and financial implications.
Event Waste Management experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk have outlined what UK businesses need to know about the laws surrounding bonfires, how to safely host a display, and the penalties for getting it wrong…
1. Legal Framework: What Businesses Need to Know
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Clean Air Act 1993, it is illegal to burn commercial or household waste that produces dark smoke. This includes items such as plastics, packaging, painted wood and treated timber. Any business found burning these materials could face fines of up to £50,000 or a 12-month custodial sentence.
Even small bonfires on business premises can fall under scrutiny if they cause smoke nuisance or safety risks. The Environment Agency classes this as ‘Illegal waste disposal’ and enforcement is becoming more proactive, particularly around seasonal events such as Bonfire Night.
2. Hosting a Bonfire Display Without Breaking the Rules
Businesses can still hold safe, compliant displays if they follow the right procedures:
- Check local restrictions – Some councils prohibit open fires entirely, especially in built-up areas, so always check with your local Fire Authority before hosting an event.
- Use approved materials only – Materials like dry, untreated wood is generally acceptable, and avoid any processed wood and any commercial waste, furniture, plastics, or packaging.
- Location and control – Keep bonfires well away from buildings, fences, and trees. Always have extinguishing materials nearby, such as sand or a water supply.
- Notify relevant parties – If hosting a public or staff event, inform your local fire service or environmental officer, as this helps prevent unnecessary callouts and ensures safety compliance.
- Dispose of ash correctly – Once cooled, ash should be bagged and disposed of
3. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Companies found breaching environmental waste laws face severe financial, legal and reputational consequences, such as:
- Fines: A business can be fined up to £50,000 for illegal burning or up to £5,000 per incident for smoke nuisance under council legislation.
- Criminal liability: Company directors and business owners may be found personally liable for breaches that result in environmental harm and injury.
- Insurance impact: Fire or pollution incidents caused by illegal burning can void business insurance policies.
The Environment Agency and local authorities have the power to issue stop notices, seize equipment, and bring prosecutions against repeat offenders. In 2023, several UK firms were prosecuted for illegal burning after community complaints led to investigations.
Mark Hall, Event Waste Management expert and Director of BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “For businesses, the rules are stricter than for households. If you burn waste on-site without a permit, you’re not only risking penalties but also breaching your environmental responsibilities.”
“We’re seeing more enforcement around illegal waste burning, especially from commercial sites. Businesses have a duty of care for their waste at all times, and many think a bonfire or small waste burn is harmless, but that is no longer tolerated under Environmental Law.”
“If businesses want to host a bonfire, then they need to ensure they do it in a safe and compliant manner, and work with licenced waste contractors for easy waste disposal. It’s far cheaper than a fine or an investigation from an Environmental Officer, that could cause them legal, financial and reputational damage that is irreparable.”
Photo by Georgiana Pop (Avram) on Unsplash