Open Burning
Another method to manage yard debris used in the past is the burning of brush and yard trimmings in an outdoor setting. In most areas of Indiana, burning of yard wastes, as a waste management strategy, will not be an option because of local burning bans. These bans were enacted because of air pollution and fire concerns. Read more information about these bans by following the links below.
- Open burning regulations
- Local open burning ordinances
- Example open burning ordinance [DOC - 41KB]
If a burning ban is not mandated at the local level, there are still state rules that must be complied with, Indiana and National Yard Waste Management Legislation, since the uncontrolled burning of yard debris can result in the emission of particulates, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, which are regulated pollutants. If the yard debris is wet and compacted, the burning process is incomplete. As with any burning, in addition to air emissions, ash remains to be managed. Wood ashes can be beneficial to the soil; however, they must be properly applied.
In certain situations, burning of yard wastes in approved containers are exempted from the State's ban on open burning. These exemptions are detailed in Chapter I. Indiana and National Yard Waste Management Legislation.
In areas where complete local burning bans are not in place, the burning of the yard waste must be done in containers that meet specific criteria, unless the burning qualifies as agricultural burning. The containers shall be noncombustible and sufficiently vented to induce adequate primary combustion air with enclosed sides and a bottom. All fires must be closely monitored and must be extinguished if they are a nuisance. Fires are also limited to daylight hours. Local fire and health departments usually enforce open burning regulations.
Because of the air pollution and fire concerns resulting in the complete bans on burning of yard debris in most communities and the benefits of returning the organic matter to the soil by source reduction, reuse or composting, combustion will not be a yard waste management strategy to consider.
Some communities may have an incinerator or waste-to-energy facility as part of their solid waste management program. Although yard waste disposal in incineration units is not included in SEA 25's landfill ban, this method of management is poorly suited to leaves and grass. As stated in the 1989 U. S. EPA publication, "Yard Waste Composting - A Study of Eight Programs" "...the high moisture content of this type of waste inhibits complete combustion and results in the availability of little net usable energy for energy generation. Burning of these materials contributes to carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. Also, the seasonal nature of yard wastes generation can cause incinerators to be over-sized and operate inefficiently."
Questions or comments about this site may be addressed to recycling at idem.IN.gov
- What should I do with my old computers and electronics?
- Where can I recycle?
- What are “Pay-as-You-Throw” programs?
- How can I get funding for recycling programs?
- What is “household hazardous waste”?
- Why is mercury dangerous?
- Where can I find information about available IDEM grants, loans, or funds?
- What are the benefits of recycling?
- What is composting and how do I do it?
- Where can I find information about flooding?
