The cooler and damper time of year was when stockpiled rubbish was burnt across Otago, but it was important property owners were aware not to burn toxic substances — such as foams, mattresses, cans, plastic bottles and other plastics, wraps, treated timber, tyres, waste oil or agri-chemical containers, it said.
The council’s environmental delivery portfolio lead, Cr Robbie Byars, said there had been an increased number of complaints in recent weeks regarding burning toxic waste.
‘‘We’ve seen that there’s many burn piles out there ready to go and appreciate their necessity, but everyone needs to follow best practice and abide by the rules, in order to protect the environment and air quality for everyone,’’ Cr Byars said.
Items such as mattresses, plastic bottles, tyres, food waste, chemicals and waste oil cannot be burnt safely, as they have the potential to discharge extremely harmful toxins into the environment.
‘‘For these types of materials, best practice is to find a way to recycle or re-use them or dispose of them appropriately at a landfill.
In general, what can be burnt is paper, cardboard, vegetative matter, or untreated wood.
Any smoke, odour, or particulate matter resulting from the burning must not be offensive or objectionable beyond the boundary of the property where the burning occurs.
The most recent complaints were from the Dunedin, Waitaki, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts.
Examples of incidents attended by council staff included urban burning in drums, shelterbelt clearances, and burning general green waste and gorse.
While complaints had been Otago-wide, council compliance manager Simon Wilson said there had been more complaints about fires in Central Otago likely because fire restrictions were recently lifted across the district.
‘‘Burning stockpiles of waste cut down is a key part of rural activities across Otago and we know people are geared up and ready to burn. However, it’s important to think about what you’re burning and when you burn it. You’ll breathe it in and so will your family and your neighbours,’’ Mr Wilson said.
The council always took an education first approach to compliance but would use the right tool and the right time in line with its compliance and enforcement policy.
The council has produced a quick guide to outdoor burning rules in Otago to help navigate which rules apply in which part of Otago. — Allied Media
