Burning Garbage Is Illegal!
Burning Garbage Trashes the Air
Did you know that burning trash and yard waste in a fireplace or stove, outdoors on the ground, or in a burn barrel or an incinerator is unhealthy and illegal?
YOU WILL BE CITED BY SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT AND FOR OUR RESPONSE SERVICES.
Trash often contains plastics, metals, and synthetic materials that create dangerous chemicals when burned. Chemicals found in smoke can include lead and other compounds known to cause respiratory problems, stress immune systems and even cause cancer. The leftover ash also can contain toxic pollutants that can spread into soil and water. As a result, Air District Rules 4103 (open burning) and 4106 (prescribed burning and hazard reduction burning) prohibit burning yard waste and garbage. Minimal dispersion, low combustion temperatures, low oxygen all contribute to increased pollutant emissions from burn barrels. In fact, a USEPA study suggests that up to forty households using burn barrels (depending on the material and amount being burned) can emit levels of dioxin and furn comparable to a 200 ton-per-day municipal waste incinerator.
Dispose of Waste Properly
To avoid penalties, citations, and fines, the Air District encourages you to properly dispose of these materials through a waste collection service or at an approved facility. Hazardous waste, including solvents, oil and paints, must be taken to a local hazardous waste collection site.
Many materials may be reused or recycled. Unwanted clothing, furniture, toys and books can be donated to a charity, friends, school or other organizations. Take recyclable items to a recycling center or waste collection site.
Complaint Procedures
If you detect a possible air-pollution violation, report it as quickly as possible by calling the Air Pollution Control District.
San Joaquin, Merced, and Stanislaus Counties - 800-281-7003
Fresno, Kings, and Madera Counties - 800-870-1037
Kern and Tulare Counties - 800-926-5550
Some possible air-pollution violations to report include:
- an offensive odor
- smoke, fallout or dust
- illegal burning, such as backyard "burn barrel" or burning of trash
- any other air-pollution violations
Notice from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
As of May 30, 1972, "NO Person shall burn or allow to burn any refuse or other material in an open outdoor fire within the boundaries of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District." "Any person who violates the provisions of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District rules and regulations is GUILTY of a misdemeanor..."
The drum type steel barrel or concrete incinerator that has been used to burn residential rubbish in the past is ILLEGAL and cannot be used as an incinerator. Rubbish may be removed to a disposal site or services may be obtained from a franchised solid waste collector.
The only incinerator type that is the exception is a Gas Fired multiple chamber incinerator approved by the Air District. This type of incinerator is usually designed for commercial use.
Agricultural burning, as defined in the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District rules and regulations, is permitted under special strict regulations ONLY on "PERMISSIVE BURN DAYS." Burning permits for agricultural burning are issued at the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.
VIOLATIONS OF THE OPEN BURNING RULE WILL RESULT IN THE DISTRICT TAKING CIVIL ACTION AND SEEKING A PENALTY OF UP TO $1,000.00. SUCH CASES MAY ALSO BE FORWARDED TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
For additional information, please call the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District at 209-557-6400 or toll free at 800-281-7003.
Brochure on Burning Trash
Brochure on Complaint Procedures
For more information visit the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
source: San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
