Bonfires can be a source of considerable annoyance and are an unpleasant and potentially dangerous source of pollution. They can produce smoke at low level, especially if furniture or other man made articles are being burnt.
All of the Borough of Lewisham is designated as a Smoke Control Area so it is an offence to produce smoke from any bonfire on business property or sites used for trade.
You can contact our Environmental Health Enforcement Team to complain about any bonfire.
Alternatives to bonfires
The Council strongly urges all residents not to dispose of their waste by burning but instead take some or all of the following steps:
- household waste can be placed in your refuse wheelie bin for collection.
- residents may request that their garden waste is collected.
- excess waste and garden waste can be taken to the Civic Amenity site at Landmann Way where it can be disposed of, free of charge.
- garden waste can be composted. Only dry twigs should ever be incinerated.
Follow the links on the right for further information on all of these topics.
How we deal with complaints about bonfires
Complaints about bonfires are investigated by our Environmental Health Enforcement Team.
If it is established that a Statutory Nuisance is being caused then we will have no alternative but to serve a Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
If the terms of the Notice are not complied with, the matter is likely to be referred for formal legal proceedings through the Magistrates Court.
A Magistrate may fine a defendant up to £5,000 if he or she is found guilty of the offence.