Smoke nuisance and clean air zones

• Smoke from domestic chimneys, garden bonfires, particularly if damp materials, rubbish or plastics are burnt, can drift across gardens of neighbouring premises and can cause unpleasant odours. The smoke will also have an affect on local air quality. Whilst St Edmundsbury Borough Council has not declared any Clean Air Zones, smoke can be a statutory nuisance under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Where possible, bonfires are best avoided in residential areas and waste should be disposed of in a more environmentally friendly manner.
  
  
• If dark smoke is emitted from a bonfire or chimney on a commercial or industrial premise, this can can be an offence under the provisions of the Clean Air Act 1993.
  
  
• The burning of controlled waste (generally all waste other than domestic waste) on the premises on which it arose, will also be illegal according to the requirements of Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.