Burn Barrel Factsheet

The nature of household trash has changed over the past fifty years. Today, bleached paper, plastic, and printed materials with toxic chemicals make up a large portion of waste. These items contain chemical dyes, coatings, pigments, and chlorine that can form even more toxic chemicals when burned. In fact, chlorine is present in most household waste, even paper products.

Particulates, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide represent the largest portion of pollutants associated with open burning. Because burn barrels receive little oxygen, they create low temperature fires that generate other toxic pollutants such as benzene, styrene oxide, formaldehyde, dioxins and furans. Dioxins are produced in burn barrels at levels more than two times greater (per pound of refuse) than from municipal incinerators. Some metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium are also released.

Yes. These pollutants are released into the air where they can be inhaled by those closest to or downwind from the source. They also deposit on leafy plants that are eaten by livestock. Dioxin accumulates in animal fat and is passed through meat and dairy products to humans. Depending on how long and how often one is exposed, certain pollutants can harm the lungs, kidneys, the nervous system, and the liver. Short-term exposure can aggravate asthma and affect other respiratory conditions. Long-term exposure can lead to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory, reproductive and developmental problems.

Garbage (refuse resulting from the handling, processing, preparation, cooking and consumption of food or food products), trade waste (construction debris and roofing materials), used furniture, appliances, and automobile parts are not considered domicile (i.e., home) waste and may not be burned. If you live outside of a restricted area (see below), you may burn domicile waste generated from a single home on-site. Do not overload the burn barrel so more oxygen can reach the fire to burn safely.

No waste, except landscape waste, may be burned in a restricted area. All cities, villages, and incorporated towns in Illinois are restricted areas. In addition, restricted areas include an area extending one mile beyond the boundaries of any municipality having a population of 1,000 or more persons according to the latest federal census. Landscape waste is allowed to be burned on the premises where it is generated as long as a local ordinance does not limit the burning of it. State law is applicable unless there is a more restrictive location prohibition or limitation on open burning.  

• Burn barrels are the most significant remaining source of dioxin in the U.S. and produce a variety of other toxins.
• Your individual choices impact the quality of everyone’s food supply.
• Your health and the health of your family and neighbors may depend on it.
• There is a risk of forest fires in some areas from uncontrolled open burning.
• You may be breaking the law.

• Contact a local garbage hauler about disposal options. Even rural areas have a lot more options than they used to.
• Reduce extra packaging by buying in bulk. Avoid buying disposable items; buy durable, repairable items.
• Reuse by donating unwanted clothing, furniture, toys and electronics to friends or charities. Give old magazines and books to hospitals or nursing homes. Repair rather than discard or replace.
• Recycle junk mail, magazines, newspapers, office paper, cardboard, aluminum, tin, metal and acceptable plastics. Return plastic bags to stores that recycle them. Contact your local solid waste agency or recycling coordinator for more information or to see about increasing recycling opportunities in your area.
• Compost food, lawn and garden waste some paper and cardboard packaging.

Your local government is authorized to enforce the general prohibition against open burning. Local law enforcement officials have the authority to enforce the prohibitions against the open burning of wastes and often are the best option for a timely response. If you suspect illegal open burning, you should first contact your local law enforcement agency. You may also contact the local field office of the Illinois EPA or your local fire department.