Cecily Zamora
Burning shingles releases smoke, oxides of nitrogen, and other pollutants that negatively impact air quality. In the United States, burning shingles is illegal in some states, including Georgia, Iowa, and Ontario. Wisconsin permits open burning for specific activities, such as land clearing and agricultural operations, but prohibits burning clean wood waste and other materials. Kentucky has also reminded its residents that illegal burning can result in hefty fines.
Burning Shingles and State Law
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State laws | Prohibit the burning of shingles in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and South Dakota |
| Reason | Shingles are treated with chemicals that require very high temperatures to destroy, which open flames do not reach |
| Fines | Violators can be fined up to $25,000 |
| Alternatives | Recycling, reuse, or disposal at a permitted solid waste landfill |
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What You'll Learn
- Burning shingles is illegal in Iowa and Georgia
- Wisconsin prohibits burning yard or landscape waste, except in waste-to-energy facilities
- In Ontario, burning shingles is illegal without a permit from the Ministry of the Environment
- Illegal burning can result in hefty fines of up to $25,000 per day in Kentucky
- Open burning releases smoke and pollutants that negatively impact air quality
Burning shingles is illegal in Iowa and Georgia
In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for regulating open burning. While the state allows for recreational fires for cooking, heating, and other purposes, burning household trash is strongly discouraged due to its negative impact on the environment and human health. Iowa law specifically prohibits the burning of materials containing asbestos, with certain exceptions for single-family residential structures. All asphalt shingles must be removed before burning.
Polk and Linn counties require burning permits, and other local governments may have similar requirements. In the case of a burn ban, certain activities are still permitted, including supervised, controlled burns authorized by the fire chief, the use of outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, and properly supervised landfills.
In Georgia, open burning is regulated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Protection Division, the Wildlife Resources Division, and the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). It is unlawful in Georgia to burn manufactured materials such as tires, shingles, plastics, lumber, or household garbage. A burn permit from the GFC is required for specific burn activities, although some counties have different requirements and exemptions.
For example, Walker County does not require a GFC permit for outdoor burning in unincorporated areas between October 1 and April 30. However, no burning permits are issued within the city limits of certain municipalities, including Lafayette, Rossville, Chickamauga, and Lookout Mountain. According to Georgia law, individuals must supervise their fires and have an extinguishing device readily available.
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Wisconsin prohibits burning yard or landscape waste, except in waste-to-energy facilities
Wisconsin's recycling laws prohibit businesses and municipalities from burning yard or landscape waste, except in waste-to-energy facilities. The state's regulations allow individual households to burn small amounts of dry household rubbish, such as unrecyclable paper and cardboard, natural fibres, clean untreated wood, and small quantities of dry leaves and plant clippings, provided it is not prohibited by local ordinance. However, this allowance does not extend to commercial and government entities.
Burning household rubbish and yard waste is permitted only if it meets two conditions: the waste was created by normal household activities, and it is burned on the property of the household that produced it. It is important to note that demolition, in-home business operations, and landscaping operations are not considered normal household activities.
Businesses and municipalities are generally prohibited from burning clean wood waste, including brush, unless they have obtained a woodburning facility license from the DNR's Waste & Materials Management Program. This license includes location, operation, and design criteria that outline allowable burning conditions and the quantity of material that can be burned.
Wisconsin's DNR requirements are the minimum open-burning regulations, and local governments or fire authorities may have additional requirements. The DNR's air quality and waste management rules generally prohibit open burning, but there are some limited exceptions. For instance, state regulations permit open burning for certain activities involving land clearing or the disposal of wood, trees, and brush. This includes clearing or maintaining rights-of-way, burning for agricultural activities, natural disasters, and one-time burning of wood in licensed wood-burning facilities.
While debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in Wisconsin, it is legal in most places. However, it is essential to follow safety guidelines, obtain proper burn permits, and comply with local ordinances and state fire protection regulations. Burning any waste should be a last resort, as it is unsafe, unhealthy, and a nuisance.
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In Ontario, burning shingles is illegal without a permit from the Ministry of the Environment
As such, the proper way to dispose of shingles is to bring them to a Ministry of the Environment (MOE)-approved landfill site. While open burning of construction waste, including shingles, is prohibited for private individuals in Ontario, corporations with approved incineration facilities may obtain permits from the MOE for this purpose. However, it is unlikely that such permits would be issued to private individuals.
It is important to note that burning shingles without the necessary permit is illegal and should be reported to the municipality. Citizens are encouraged to contact their local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) environmental protection field office or the Ministry of the Environment to report any illegal burning activities. This is crucial as burning shingles can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health due to the release of toxic chemicals and contaminants.
In other states and provinces, such as Tennessee, there are also regulations in place regarding the burning of debris, including asphalt shingles. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation provides guidelines and permits for safe debris burning, with certain materials, including asphalt shingles, prohibited from being burned. Prescribed fires are allowed as an important land management tool, but they must follow Basic Smoke Management Practices to minimize the environmental and public health impacts of smoke emissions.
Additionally, in Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) generally prohibits open burning, with specific exceptions for certain activities. While individual households are allowed to burn small amounts of dry household rubbish and yard waste under certain conditions, commercial and government entities are generally prohibited from burning clean wood waste without a wood-burning facility license. Overall, it is important to adhere to local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before burning shingles or any other materials to ensure compliance with the law and to protect the environment and public health.
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Illegal burning can result in hefty fines of up to $25,000 per day in Kentucky
With spring cleaning season upon us, many residents of Kentucky are reminded that burning unwanted debris is not the best way to go. The state has issued warnings to its residents that illegal burning can result in hefty fines of up to $25,000 per day per violation. The Division of Air Quality Director John Lyons stated that today's trash is different from what our grandparents used to burn, with plastics, chemicals, and other synthetic materials being far more common. Burning this trash releases high levels of toxic pollutants such as dioxins, sulfur dioxide, lead, and mercury, which can have detrimental effects on health, especially for children, the elderly, and those suffering from ailments like asthma.
In Kentucky, state law prohibits the burning of many materials, including plastic, tires, cans, coated wire, carpeting, and food waste. Some open burning is permitted with restrictions. Campfires, fires for cooking, and fires to dispose of tree limbs are allowed in most counties unless a county-wide burn ban has been declared. During the fire hazard season, which typically lasts through the end of April, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland area between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Additional restrictions may be imposed during the summer months for counties that exceed air quality standards.
The dangers of illegal burning are not limited to Kentucky. In Ontario, burning construction waste, including shingles, is prohibited by law without a permit from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). Shingles, primarily made of asphalt and embedded with grit, release a toxic mix of contaminants, including carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons, into the air and possibly the soil and water. Similarly, in Iowa, citizens have raised concerns about the burning of asphalt shingles, which releases noxious smoke containing asbestos fibers and microscopic soot, along with dozens of toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
It is important to note that the proper way to dispose of shingles is to bring them to a designated landfill site, such as an MOE-approved location in Ontario. By following state laws and guidelines, residents can help protect their health, the environment, and their wallets from the costly consequences of illegal burning.
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Open burning releases smoke and pollutants that negatively impact air quality
Open burning of shingles is prohibited in some states, such as Iowa, without a permit from the relevant environmental authority. Shingles, which are primarily made of asphalt (a petroleum byproduct), release a range of toxic chemicals when burned, negatively impacting air quality and human health. The burning of shingles releases a complex mixture of contaminants, including carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons, into the atmosphere. This can have detrimental effects on both the environment and public health.
The smoke released from burning shingles contains vapors and particulate matter, including solid and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These pollutants can cause eye and nose irritation, coughing, headaches, and difficulty breathing, even leading to more severe respiratory issues. People with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, and young children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of this smoke. The toxic chemicals released during the burning process include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic organic matter (POMs).
Furthermore, the burning of shingles can release asbestos fibers, which are hazardous to human health. The dense smoke produced contains microscopic soots and heavy metals, contributing to air pollution. The environmental impact of burning shingles extends beyond air pollution. Ash from the burning process can contaminate soil, groundwater, and nearby water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and streams. The chemicals released during burning can also accumulate in the fats of animals and subsequently enter the human food chain through meat, fish, and dairy consumption.
To minimize the negative impact on air quality, it is crucial to follow state regulations and only burn approved materials. Individual households are typically permitted to burn small amounts of dry household waste, such as paper, cardboard, natural fibers, and clean, untreated wood. However, it is important to check with local authorities, as some materials, such as garbage, plastic, and painted or treated wood, are prohibited from burning due to their harmful effects on the environment and public health. Proper waste management and disposal methods, such as recycling or utilizing approved landfill sites, are recommended to reduce the negative impact on air quality and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
It is likely that burning shingles is illegal in your state. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies roofing shingles as construction and demolition (C&D) debris. While specific laws vary from state to state, the open burning of shingles is prohibited in many states, including Iowa, North Carolina, and South Dakota.
Burning shingles releases a complex mix of contaminants, including carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons, into the air, soil, and water. This can have a detrimental impact on both the environment and human health.
Yes, shingles can be recycled or reused. However, if recycling or reuse is not possible, shingles should be disposed of at a permitted solid waste landfill.
Penalties for illegally burning shingles can vary depending on your state and local laws. For example, in North Carolina, violators of the state's open burning regulations can be fined up to $25,000. It is important to check with your local government or fire authority to understand the specific penalties and requirements in your area.
