Burning rubbish or other materials
Clause 4.2.10(1) of the Shire of Plantagenet Health Local Law prohibits burning of rubbish or refuse either in any incinerator on the ground without written approval from the Shire.
If approval is given, it will be subject to the following conditions:
- the material to be burnt does not include any plastic, rubber, food scraps, green garden cuttings and other material which may become offensive when burnt and is of such quantity, or of such a nature, as to be unsuitable for removal by the Shire’s refuse collection service;
- there is no other appropriate means of disposal;
- burning shall not take place during any period for which an air dispersion alert has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology or where there is no current dispersion alert, outside the hours of 10.00am to 6.00pm;
- an incinerator must meet the standards specified by the Shire; and
- an incinerator unit used for fire must be located at least 3 metres from a fence, building or inflammable matter in such a position so as not to create a nuisance or be offensive to other persons.
Subject to the local fire rules the Shire may grant approval to clear by burning fire breaks or vacant blocks of grass, straw, hay undergrowth, herbage and other similar vegetation.
By prohibiting burning on land the Shire aims to provide a safe and healthy environment in which all residents can enjoy a quality of life that meets the general community expectations. The Shire adopted these measures to control nuisances, odour and smoke emissions and other discharges to the environment, which may adversely affect the enjoyment of life, health, safety and the welfare of the community.
Wood heaters
Particles from wood smoke are breathed into our lungs, impacting health. They are especially dangerous for people with existing respiratory problems, for the very young and the elderly.
A correctly operated wood heater should not produce visible smoke, except for a short time on lighting. Follow these tips to correctly operate your wood heater.
- Start your fire with dry kindling and the air intake fully open.
- Burn dry, seasoned firewood – never burn green, wet, or treated wood. Wet or green firewood produces more smoke and less heat than dry, seasoned firewood.
- Always operate your wood heater with the air intake open, even overnight.
- Keep your wood heater burning brightly. A bright, hot fire has bright swirling flames, red glowing embers and produces little or no smoke.
Information sheets about responsible operation of a wood heater, troubleshooting a smoky chimney, wood heaters and your health, and backyard burning can be found at the DWER BurnWise Community Information page.
Disposal of refuse including green waste
Owners and occupiers of properties affected by this local law are encouraged to dispose of their waste through the Shire’s kerbside bin collection service or take it to one of the Shire's waste management facilities. With respect to green waste, people are encouraged to mulch or compost waste, put the material in organics bins or transport it to the Shire’s waste management facilities.