Twenty percent increase in rubbish fire complaints

The first ten weeks of the Christchurch winter outdoor fire ban has seen a dramatic 20% increase in complaints compared to the same period last year Environment Canterbury received 109 complaints on outdoor burning this year between the beginning of May and mid July compared to 91 over the same period last year.

The mild May weather this year saw many people burning green waste in their gardens. A total of 21 infringement notices have already been issued this year with another 11 awaiting a recommendation from Environment Canterbury’s enforcement panel. Last year 27 infringement notices were issued over this period.

“Rubbish fires are a nuisance and a health hazard to neighbours and contribute to winter air pollution,” says Tony Smith, Environment Canterbury’s enforcement team leader. “There are many better alternatives available in Christchurch. Composting, using a shredder, participating in a green waste scheme and taking waste to a refuse station are all better alternatives than burning.”

People burning leaves and other green waste in the garden, risk getting a $300 fine, while industrial offenders can get a $1,000 fine.

The winter outdoor fire ban runs from May 1 to August 31 every year and is enforced by Environment Canterbury. The ban covers the whole of Christchurch excluding Banks Peninsula. The ban has been in place for many years and should not be confused with the year-round outdoor fire ban that was introduced by the Christchurch City Council earlier this year and that is currently under review.

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