The toxins released from burning trash can irritate the respiratory system, cause bronchitis, nausea and dizziness, and contribute to cancer in a healthy adult. Children, elders, and those with heart and lung disease are at higher risk.

The problem:

Burn barrels, piles, and wood stoves just don’t burn hot or efficient enough to destroy the toxic substances in our trash. And, the chemicals and particulates are released at ground level-into the air we breathe.

The emissions also settle into streams and ponds and onto forests and fields. Food for wildlife and humans may be polluted, and drinking water may be, too.

It’s illegal to burn trash in Vermont, including household and business refuse and treated wood from construction projects. Burning brush, leaves, and untreated wood may be allowed, but requires a permit from your local fire warden.

ALL burning releases some toxins. Compost, reuse, recycle, or properly dispose of it instead.

Request a copy of The Burning Facts brochure or fact card and quiz.

Want to help distribute educational materials in your community? Let us know!

What is Illegal Dumping?

The state of Vermont defines illegal dumping as the unlawful disposal of refuse (e.g. tires, furniture, household trash, appliances) on land within 300 feet of public or private property. In short, illegal dumping is putting trash where it’s not supposed to go. The health risks, economic costs, and environmental tolls of illegal dumping impact all of us.

Health Risks

Rusted metal and glass can harm people and wildlife; children may get trapped in abandoned appliances; and tires and other containers may hold rainwater and become a breeding ground for insects.

Economic Costs

Cleaning up illegally dumped trash costs at least twice as much as properly disposing of it in the first place. And through district, town or state cleanups, your tax dollars may be paying for some of the bill.

Environmental Hazards

Hazardous waste, such as motor oil, antifreeze, batteries, and paints, can contaminate the soil and water. And illegal dumpsites can threaten wildlife habitat.

For assistance in developing local ordinances to enforce against illegal dumping, contact:

Vermont League of Cities and Towns
Telephone: 802-229-9111

http://www.vlct.org

Agency of Natural Resources
Pollution Prevention Division
Telephone: 802-241-3840

What is Illegal Burning?

It’s illegal to burn household and business trash as well as treated wood in Vermont. Burning brush, leaves, and untreated wood may be allowed, but to do so requires a permit from your local fire warden.

Health and Environmental Risks

Burning trash releases all of the chemicals and particulates in the material at ground level-and into the air we breathe. The people burning the garbage and immediate neighbors are most at risk, but anyone downwind can be impacted by this pollution. The pollution also affects the air quality and surface water (rivers, streams, ponds) quality and everything and everyone that depends on them.

See Illegal Burning Prevention for information about the CVSWMD educational program.