Healthier (and More Considerate) Alternatives to Backyard Burning

Smoke from burning yard and household waste is unhealthy to breathe, particularly for children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with asthma or other respiratory ailments. Burning refuse emits dioxin, a pollutant that is linked to many health problems including cancer.

While burning is not allowed in the Portland area and is restricted in many parts of the state, open burning of residential garbage creates 47% of all airborne dioxin in our state. The dioxin winds up in our rivers and on crops, and eventually in our food.

Consider these alternatives to burning refuse:

• composting leaves, lawn clippings, yard debris and garbage whenever possible
• avoiding purchasing disposable products; buy products that can be reused or recycled
• separate, recycle and reuse plastics, papers and metal cans
• dispose of garbage through roadside pick-ups or transport them to a local recycling center or landfill
  
• for larger items, items that may contain toxic materials, or items that are not combustible, organize community “spring clean-ups."
• Reclaim used lumber
• Use construction site recycling programs
• Use debris as fuel for a municipal steam generator

Some things should never be burned:  The DEQ never allows the burning of rubber products, plastic, wet garbage, petroleum, asphalt or industrial waste, and any material that creates dense smoke or noxious odors.

For more information on state open burning restrictions and rules, you can visit the Oregon DEQ’s Oregon Open Burning Guide for complete information, or call DEQ at 503-229-5395 for a printed version.