Householders giving waste to children for their bonfires may be prosecuted and the Council will not clean up after bonfires this year, Wicklow County Council has warned.
The clear message from the Council is that if evidence of ownership of waste in bonfires is found, fines will be issued or prosecutions taken.
Items commonly found on bonfires include household domestic rubbish, hedge clippings, grass cuttings, tyres, beds and mattresses, furniture, aerosol cans, TVs, washing machines, prams, cots, kitchen units, tables and chairs, carpets and piping.
People are obliged to handle their waste properly and giving waste to children to burn is not proper handling. Uncontrolled burning of rubber and plastics releases deadly dioxins and other chemicals into the air which is then breathed in by children and others standing by.
Old car tyres are a particular favourite for Halloween bonfires. However, they produce toxic fumes which can damage both health and the environment
Anyone organising an event this Halloween is reminded that bonfires are illegal and constitute illegal burning. The local authority is refusing to pick up leftover rubbish or shoulder the cost of the clean-up in the wake of illegal bonfires.
Wicklow County Council reminds householders and individuals who hand over their waste for bonfire purposes at Halloween that they will be liable for prosecution under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009.
Only someone carrying a Waste Collection Permit is allowed to stockpile waste. Many people may not be aware that breaches of waste regulations could lead to fines of up to €3,000.
Halloween bonfires may have other serious health and safety implications. Bonfires are often built close to houses and other property presenting risks to personal safety and property. Halloween is one the busiest times of the year for the fire service and responding to bonfire call outs creates a strain on existing resources. Burning highly combustible materials may lead to serious injuries or death.
Tips for a safe Halloween 2017
- Do not leave material lying around that may be taken for use in a bonfire; many garage or garden shed items such as petrol, white spirits, diesel, aerosols, batteries, tins of paint, bottles and tyres are especially dangerous if set on fire.
- Parents, business and householders should not provide any materials for bonfires.
- Do not facilitate illegal bonfires or firework displays on or near your home or property.
- Under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations, 2007-2008, all persons engaged in waste collection must hold a valid waste collection permit. Any person wishing to confirm the legitimacy of a waste collector should ask the collector for their waste collection permit number and proceed to check it on the National Waste Collection Office website www.nwcpo.ie, or, alternatively, contact Wicklow County Council Waste Enforcement Section
- Be aware that it is a criminal offence to give your waste to any individual who does not hold a current and valid waste collection permit.