Know the Laws - What Can You Burn Legally?
Open burning presents a risk to people's health and the environment. Depending on the circumstances, any kind of open burning may be illegal and is always discouraged.
Whenever something is burned, heat, chemicals and particles are released. Chemicals
and particles from non-treated products like yard waste, wood and paper may be less
dangerous than treated wood or other chemically treated natural products. However,
they are still a significant source of
particulate matterParticulate Matter - Particle pollution (also called particulate matter or PM) is the name for a mixture of solid particles and liquid
droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen
with the naked eye. Others are so small that they can only be detected using an electron microscope.
Particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs where they may accumulate, react, be cleared, or be absorbed. Prolonged interaction with particulate matter pollution can cause serious health problems, usually involving the lungs and breathing..
It is against the law to burn household garbage and trash in South Carolina. Items that are illegal to burn include, but are not limited to:
- paper and cardboard
- motor and waste heating oil
- roofing materials (like shingles and tar)
- tires and other rubber products
- paint
- electrical wire
- plastic
- farm and household chemicals
- insulation and duct work
Substantial fines can be assessed even for first-time violations for burning any of these items.
Homeowners may legally burn yard trimmings, if allowed by
local ordinances. Fires used solely for human warmth (using only clean wood productsClean Wood Products - Woody vegetation, leaves, or wood which is not coated with stain, paint, glue or other coating material (this includes treated lumber).
The material to be burned must have been generated onsite and not moved to the site from another location.), ceremonial occasions, and cooking food are also allowed under state regulation, including:
- fireplaces
- bonfires
- campfires
- outdoor barbecues
For reference, please consult DHEC's Learn Before You Burn brochure.
In some areas of South Carolina, if complaints are received, DHEC has the right to request the open burning be stopped or to impose other restrictions as deemed necessary.
Burning trash is always illegal in South
Carolina, even in a burn barrel.
If you are still not sure about what you can or cannot burn or need to obtain a permit to conduct open burning, please contact your local fire department and check your local ordinances.
DHEC Open Burning Awareness Billboard Campaign is a partnership between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and DHEC's Bureau of Air Quality and the Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling. For more information or if you have any questions please contact Michael Monroe by phone at (803) 898-3261 or by email.