As the state of Delaware approaches its annual open burning ban, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is reminding the public of the guidelines for open burning until the ban takes effect on May 1. The ban, which continues through Sept. 30, restricts outdoor burning to cooking fires, recreational campfires, and ceremonial bonfires using firewood only.
While residential open burning of some yard waste is allowed until the end of April, the DNREC is reminding residents of the restrictions on what can be burned, how much can be burned at a time, and at what time of day these materials can be burned. Burning of leaves, grass, trash, garbage, and refuse including tires, construction waste, paper, cardboard, plastic, furniture, fabric, and mattresses is always against the law in Delaware.
“Residential open burning of cut or fallen limbs, dead branches, or shrubbery is allowed from Oct. 1 to April 30. A maximum of 27 cubic feet of yard waste may be burned at one time. However, more material may be added to the fire as it burns down. Burning must take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fires must be monitored until they are completely extinguished,” said DNREC Division of Community Affairs Director Matt Ritte