Why Burning Yard Waste Is Bad

Burning yard waste is an easy way to reduce twigs, leaves and grass clippings, but there are safer and healthier alternatives to cleaning your yard.

Fire

• Yard fires can get out of hand and cause property damage, pose a burn risk.

Smoke

• Burning yard waste releases large quantities of smoke into the air. According to ecy.wa.gov, this smoke is just as hazardous to a person's health as cigarette smoke.

Particulates

• Smoke also contains tiny amounts of material called particulates. These particulates pollute the air, and when they return to the earth, water.

Greenhouse Gases

• Burning yard waste releases carbon dioxide, which is classified as a greenhouse gas, into the air.

Alternatives

• Instead of burning yard waste, people can create a compost pile, or have it collected by their local municipality. The local government may turn the waste into mulch, or use it as clean fill.