Putting the wrong thing in your bonfire could land you a fine of up to £50,000, the Environment Agency has warned.
Organisers of bonfires have been asked to keep their bonfires secure to ensure that their events aren't hijacked by people looking dump waste.
Burning certain types of waste, including treated wood, tyres, plastics, rubber and oil, can be seriously harmful to health and cause air pollution.
The Environment Agency also warned against the burning of mattresses, old furniture and even household rubbish on November 5 as the nation commemorates the gunpowder plot.
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Illegal management of waste can carry serious penalties of up to £50,000 and if the Environment Agency suspects illegal waste will be burned at an event, they can issue a stop notice and prevent the event from taking place.
Environment manager Marc Lidderth said: "We want people to enjoy themselves but the uncontrolled and excessive burning of the wrong waste can cause pollution and damage people’s health.
"We encourage people to make sure they dispose of their waste legally and safely, and be aware that their community bonfire could be targeted by unscrupulous waste businesses who want to find somewhere to dispose of waste, resulting in the illegal burning of commercial waste."
The Agency has advised anyone who sees suspicious activity on Bonfire Night to report it to them on 0800 80 70 60.
Below is the government's advice on how to have a safe bonfire:
- You can’t get rid of household waste on the bonfire if it will cause pollution or harm people’s health.
- You should always burn dry material as it produces less smoke. Never burn treated wood, rubber, plastic, foam or paint.
- Warn your neighbours beforehand so they can take in any washing, close windows, keep pets indoors and take other necessary precautions.
- Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, roads, garden sheds, fences, trees and hedges and, if possible, choose somewhere sheltered from wind to minimise the risk of the bonfire being blown out of control or of smoke restricting the vision of road users.
- Check there are no cables – like telephone wires – above the bonfire.
- Before you light the bonfire, check whether any pets, wildlife or small children have crawled inside.
- Always keep a bucket of water or a working hosepipe nearby in case of fire.
- Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire and never throw on fireworks or burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries.
- Don’t leave bonfires unattended and keep children and pets away. A responsible adult should supervise the bonfire until it has burnt out.
- Once the bonfire has died down, pour water on the embers to stop it reigniting.
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