Bonfires
We receive more complaints about bonfires than any other form of air pollution. The polluting effect of low level smoke is considerable, particularly in built up areas and bonfire smoke contains pollutants that can have damaging health effects. Bonfires often cause discomfort, inconvenience and bad feeling between neighbours.
We are committed to improving air quality and therefore seek to discourage this method of disposal of garden or other waste. Householders are encouraged to use more sustainable methods of disposal such as composting, shredding, and recycling.
Alternatively, we provide a reusable, biodegradable Jute bag for the collection of green garden waste. Residents who purchase the bags can place two of them out for collection per week until the end of the calendar year. The bags are emptied weekly on the same day as your refuse and/or recycling is collected and returned for you to reuse. The reusable Jute bags cost £35 per bag (maximum order: 2 bags). A reduced charge of £20 will be made to residents in receipt of State Retirement Pension and/or are registered disabled. To purchase a reusable Jute bag please telephone: 0845 073 8990 (Local call rates apply). The phone lines are open for orders Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.
Should this not be possible, we operate a collection service for which a charge is made. Details of the service can be obtained by telephoning the Waste Management section.
Disposal of Waste
Householders, with proof of residency within the Borough, can also dispose of waste free of charge at the Waste Transfer Station in Villiers Road, Kingston. The opening times for this facility are:
Summer [Easter to October]
- Mondays to Fridays 07.30 – 19.00 hours
- Saturdays and Bank Holidays 07.30 – 16.00 hours
- Sundays 09.00 - 16.00 hours
Winter [November to Easter]
- Monday to Fridays 07.30 - 16.30 hours
- Saturdays and Bank Holidays 07.30 - 16.00 hours
- Sundays 09.00 - 13.00 hours
[The transfer station is closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day].
For more information about these services please telephone the Waste Management Section on 020 8547 5560, e-mail waste.management@rbk.kingston.gov.uk or visit the Rubbish and Recycling, please see the link below.
Bonfire Advice
For householders deciding that there is no option other than to light a bonfire the following steps must be taken to minimise the potential for excessive air pollution and nuisance to be caused:
- Materials should be dry with a low moisture content. Some vegetation may therefore need to be left to dry out before being burnt. Do not burn freshly cut green vegetation, grass cuttings or wet leaves.
- The fire should be kept small, hot and well ventilated to minimise the amount of smoke caused. Agitate the base of the fire to improve air supply and combustion. The use of incinerators should be avoided unless adequate air flow can be maintained.
- Bonfires should be sited as far away as possible from sensitive boundaries and a safe distance from trees, hedgerows or neighbouring fences.
- Bonfires should be continuously supervised and a supply of water available in case of emergency.
- Ensure any bonfire is properly extinguished and not left to smoulder.
Bonfires should not be lit:
- On windy days unless the direction of the wind allows the smoke to be taken away from all neighbouring properties.
- When your neighbours have washing drying in their garden or are spending time enjoying their garden
Whilst, contrary to many peoples’ belief, there are no specific bylaws relating to bonfires, we are able to take formal action under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 when burning of garden waste is a regular occurrence and a statutory nuisance is caused.
The problems involved in disposing of garden waste are acknowledged but it is hoped that if care is exercised, disposal can be effected without causing distress to neighbours.