Contact: Tom Postell, Division of Air Quality, (302) 739-9402 for leaf burning questions; Chief James Faedtke, Environmental Crimes Unit, (302) 739-9401 for environmental complaints;Debra Nielsen, Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances, (302) 739-9403 for yard waste options; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs (302) 739-9902.
Leaf burning prohibited statewide to protect public health
DOVER (Oct. 20, 2011) – With autumn leaves beginning to fall, DNREC’s Division of Air Quality reminds residents that burning leaves is prohibited statewide. The leaf burning ban, in effect since February 1995, is important to protect people from harmful chemicals that are produced by open burning.
Leaf burning produces a considerable amount of airborne particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and at least seven carcinogens. Some of these compounds react with sunlight and chemicals in the air to produce ground-level ozone, a respiratory irritant particularly dangerous to children and the elderly.
In addition to the leaf burning ban, burning grass, refuse, trash or garbage is also prohibited year-round. Cooking fires and campfires meeting size restrictions are legal year-round, unless prohibited by local, town, or county ordinances; however, only clean, unpainted wood or charcoal is to be used in these fires.
Burning of cut or fallen branches, limbs or shrubbery trim from a residence is allowed daily, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. from October 1 to April 30, except when the State Fire Marshal issues a ban on all outdoor burning. Open burning for agricultural or prescribed purposes and for intentional structure fires for firefighter training requires written notification to DNREC.
For more information on the statewide leaf burning ban, open burning requirements and air quality, contact Tom Postell at 302-739-9402 or visit, www.awm.delaware.gov/Info/Pages/OpenBurningMain.aspx
Illegal burning continues to be among the most common complaints handled by DNREC’s Environmental Crimes Unit. Since 2007, more than 2900 illegal burning complaints have been investigated and more than 420 arrests have been made. Citizens can report illegal burning by calling 1-800-662-8802, and Verizon Wireless phone customers in Delaware can reach DNREC’s Environmental Complaint Line by calling #DNR, toll and airtime-free.
Delaware residents have several options to help manage leaves and other yard waste.
• Handling it on your own property by composting, including use of a mulching mower.
• Arranging to have someone else collect your yard waste such as a landscaper or waste hauler.
• Taking it yourself to one of many approved drop-off facilities statewide.
• Developing a community-wide solution by creating your town or community’s own yard waste site.
DNREC’s web site includes more information on the details of these options, including a list of drop-off sites. Visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/yardwaste or contact Deb Nielsen, 302-739-9403.
Vol. 41, No. 405
