This regulatory position statement (RPS) does not change your legal requirement to have an environmental permit for a waste operation when you burn waste wood in the open as part of a community event.
However, the Environment Agency will not normally take enforcement action if you do not comply with this legal requirement if you meet the requirements in this RPS.
This regulatory position does not apply to any other legal requirements.
Published 27 March 2014 Last updated 28 April 2023 +show all updates
Added section Things to note. Clarified section 'When you must check back' and extended the expiry date to 31 January 2026.
Changed 'You should not burn wet wood' to 'You should avoid burning wet wood'.
We have inserted the following text: 'You should not burn wet wood. Wet wood creates more smoke than dry wood.'
We have clarified what wastes can be burnt. We have also clarified that waste management operators must not provide waste for burning, or carry out the burning on their premises. We have extended the review date until 31 January 2023.
