Yes, open burning is permitted in the United Kingdom under strict conditions, but it is heavily regulated to mitigate environmental and public health risks.
Open burning is generally illegal in England and Wales under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Clean Air Act 1993, unless conducted under an exemption or local authority permit. Scotland enforces stricter controls via the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Scotland) and the Air Quality (Scotland) Act 2010, while Northern Ireland follows the Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. Local authorities, such as the Environment Agency (England), Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), enforce these rules. Recent shifts, including the 2026 UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) alignment, further tighten compliance for agricultural and land management burns.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in United Kingdom
- Permit Requirements: Open burning in England and Wales requires a Part B Permit from the Environment Agency or local authority, while Scotland mandates SEPA approval for controlled burns. Permits are typically denied in smoke-sensitive zones.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Burning is prohibited during summer months (April–September) in most regions to reduce wildfire risks and air pollution. Exemptions apply for controlled agricultural burns under Defra’s Burning Code.
- Prohibited Materials: Burning household waste, treated wood, or plastics is illegal under the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 and equivalent devolved laws. Only dry, untreated vegetation may be burned, and smoke must not cause a nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.