You could face prosecution for paying 'bonfire bandits' to dispose of waste, Newcastle council warns

Guy Fawkes Night loving families are being warned to beware "bonfire bandits" - and make sure they don’t become one themselves.

As November 5 approaches and fireworks are set to light up the night sky, many people may be tempted to build a bonfire, but Newcastle City Council have warned it is no excuse for fly-tipping or illegally burning waste.

Cllr Alex Hay, Newcastle City Council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: "We want everyone to be able to enjoy Bonfire Night safely but unfortunately some people do try to use this as an opportunity to dispose of their rubbish illegally.

"Bonfires can be incredibly dangerous and unsafe, especially if you don’t know how combustible the items are and that can lead to them quickly getting out of control, which could have severe consequences.

"Even if you do control the flames, bonfires have an impact on the climate and, if the wrong materials are burned, can harm wildlife, the environment and human health."

Illegally dumping or burning waste can lead to prosecution, fines and imprisonment - and householders and businesses don’t need to have directly done it themselves to find themselves in trouble.

Everyone has a duty of care to dispose of items correctly and if you pay "bonfire bandits" - unlicensed waste carriers - to take your rubbish away, you could be prosecuted for their actions if they then dump or burn it. To check if a waste carrier is licensed visit here.

If you do want to dispose of any extra rubbish, visit your nearest recycling centre or book the council’s bulky waste collection service.

If you do plan on having a bonfire, the best way to enjoy Bonfire Night is to go to a properly organised community event, where organisers should be following guidelines and won’t be causing a hazard. Check out the full list of organised firework displays around Newcastle and the North East.

However, if you do build your own bonfire the only materials that should be used are dry, untreated and unpainted wood, along with small amounts of paper or cardboard - using wet wood can create smoke which can spread and cause a nuisance to neighbours.

Make sure the bonfire is away from houses and fences, don’t allow anyone else to add materials to your bonfire and always check the bonfire for hedgehogs and other wildlife before setting light to it.

Residents are also reminded to not leave excess rubbish alongside bins while they are awaiting collection, and to bring their bins back in as soon as possible after they have been emptied.

At this busy time of year the fire service is too often called out to deal with fires in wheelie bins that have been started deliberately - last year, firefighters tackled 76 fires set off on Bonfire Night alone.

Shaun Kelly, prevention manager at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Deliberate fires have a devastating impact on our community - they destroy property, harm the environment, and in the worst cases, cost lives.

"Fly-tipping or burning waste illegally isn’t just against the law – it’s incredibly dangerous with the potential to spread, causing serious damage to property and the natural environment.

"Wheelie bins are highly flammable and let off poisonous fumes that could prove fatal if inhaled. Keep your celebrations safe by disposing of rubbish responsibly, bring bins in after emptying and keep them safe."

To report fly-tipping: call the council on 0191 278 7878 and ask for environmental health or email psr@newcastle.gov.uk. If you see fly-tipping from a van or lorry as it happens, and the offenders are present: call the police on 101

For more information about disposing your waste correctly, visit here.

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