With Bonfire Night approaching, if you are thinking of having one, be warned that you can only burn certain items, or you face being fined.
Bonfires are typically held at public firework events, but garden bonfires are allowed in the UK, although there are rules.
If you are thinking of having a garden bonfire this year, here is all you need to know.
What can you burn on a bonfire in the UK?
As families prepare for Bonfire Night, waste collection experts at Business Waste have offered advice on what items should and should never be used in a bonfire and how to avoid facing fines.
They said: "If you’re hosting a bonfire, stick to clean, dry materials only. Bonfires should never be used as a way to dispose of waste."
They suggested dry, untreated, unpainted wood, small amounts of plain paper or cardboard for kindling and dry garden waste such as twigs, leaves, and small branches.
General waste should not be put on bonfires, such as the following:
- Painted, varnished, or treated wood
- Household rubbish, furniture, plastics, or packaging
- Rubber, tyres, or foam materials
- Wet or green garden waste that creates heavy smoke
Can you be fined for having a bonfire?
The experts at Business Waste warn that burning waste that produces dark smoke is an offence under The Environmental Protection Act 1990, which can lead to fines of up to £50,000 or even 12 months’ imprisonment.
🔥This bonfire night we encourage communities to attend organised events, but if you’re hosting one at home, remember to only burn clean wood, paper, and cardboard.
Do not burn plastics, rubber, glass, or oils. pic.twitter.com/hoOGQv6aS8— Env Agency NW (@EnvAgencyNW) October 31, 2025
They add that local authorities can also issue on-the-spot penalties for smaller offences, especially if a bonfire produces nuisance smoke or threatens nearby property.
The Government website adds that you could also be fined if you light a fire and allow the smoke to drift across the road and become a danger to traffic.
Mark Hall, waste collection expert at Business Waste , said: "Every year we see people lighting bonfires with whatever rubbish they can find, from plastic packaging to old furniture.
"Not only is that illegal, it is also dangerous to neighbouring houses, but also your health.
"Most people don’t set out to break the law, but they often don’t realise that burning household waste counts as illegal disposal.
"If it produces dark or chemical smoke, you’re risking a hefty fine and serious environmental harm.
"If you’re hosting a bonfire this year, use clean, dry wood only and keep it well away from trees, fences, or sheds. If you’re unsure how to safely dispose of waste materials, check your local council’s collection service or recycling site instead of burning it.
Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?
"You’ll avoid fines, protect your health, and help improve overall air quality, which is beneficial for everyone.
"Remember, if you wouldn’t safely breathe it in, you shouldn’t be burning it. So dispose of waste properly and enjoy Bonfire Night safely without putting your community or the environment at risk."
Why you should not burn waste on a bonfire
As experts at Business Waste explain, burning materials such as old furniture, which is sometimes classed as ‘Persistent Organic Pollutants’ or POPs waste, releases toxic fumes and fine particulate matter.
These microscopic particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, worsening air quality and posing serious health risks.
Research from Waste Managed shows that garden waste bonfires can produce up to 30 times more particulate pollution than burning clean, untreated wood.
Recommended reading:
- Warning to UK drivers over firework law that if broken can lead to £300 fines
- You could face jail time in UK if you use fireworks during these hours of the day
- Brits issued £20,000 fine warning if they remove this common plant from their garden
The Environment Agency also warns that unregulated burning contributes to local air quality problems.
The Government website advises getting rid of household or garden waste by composting or recycling it.
It says: "Contact your local council to find out how to dispose of garden waste and about recycling in your area."
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