Bonfires cause air pollution. This is due to the fact that waste is not completely burned and materials such as grass clippings and wood can emit large amounts of particles into the air. These particles in high concentrations can have damaging health effects, but if exposure to bonfire smoke is for a short time only, serious harm is unlikely.
However problems may be caused for susceptible people such as asthma or bronchitis sufferers. Even if the immediate health risk is small your bonfire will be adding to the general background level of air pollution.
Other disposal options for your waste are readily available and are far less damaging to the environment. Most garden and kitchen waste can be recycled into a useful soil conditioner.
We encourage people with suitable garden space to use composting to recycle organic waste. Further information on composting in Islington can be found at following the link under Related Information on the right of this page.
If you are not able to recycle your organic waste please call Contact Islington on 020 7527 2000 and ask about your options for having your waste collected or places where you can take your waste for safe disposal.
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008