Burning Waste in Illinois: Surprising Rules You May Not Know

If you're thinking this weekend's backyard bonfire will be a good place to get rid of household trash, there are some important things you need to know.

Illinois Campfire Complaints

Sitting around a backyard fire pit chatting, drinking, and laughing with friends and family is a great way to spend a summer night in Illinois, but there is one thing I can't stand about them...the smell.

I know a LOT of people think the smell of a campfire is the best scent on Earth, but for me, unfortunately, it's the key to an instant headache. (I'm allergic) So, instead of missing out on one of the Midwest's favorite past times, I just sit opposite of where the smoke is blowing...problem solved.

Here's where the smoke problem really kicks into high gear for me...people who burn things they shouldn't be in their backyards.

I don't know about you, but my nose can tell instantly when someone is burning something other than leaves, proper wood, and newspaper, and it happens way more frequently than is safe for any of us.

Open Burning Laws in Illinois

Today I noticed a post on my Nextdoor app that said;

Burning garbage. My understanding is burning garbage is illegal (even here in the county) is it not? If so, who does it get reported to?

Let's start with the most important question here; is it illegal to burn garbage in Illinois?

YES!

READ MORE: Why Removing Leafy Clumps From Your Trees May Be Illegal in IL

I live in a more rural area, and our village is pretty much surrounded by farms...is it illegal to burn garbage in areas like this too?

YES...with some exceptions.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says;

If you live in any town or within a mile of a town with a population of 1,000 or more, it is illegal to burn anything except landscape waste, although local ordinances may limit the burning of landscape waste.

So, what if you live in a rural area more than a mile out from the nearest town? Are you free to burn household garbage on your land? Yes, and no.

Illinois open burning laws say;

If you do not live in a town or within a mile of a town

with a population of 1,000 people or more, it is legal to burn household waste that is generated on the property as a result of normal household activities, except for food, food scraps, and food packaging.

Regardless of where you live; in a town, near a town, or far outside of it, the variety of bad chemicals that are released when burning trash, even paper, is unhealthy for all of us.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says;

Long-term exposure to certain pollutants can harm the lungs, kidneys, nervous system & liver, and short-term exposure can aggravate asthma and affect other respiratory conditions.

Let's all be mindful of what we burning and releasing into the air this summer, please?