Rushcliffe Borough Council is urging residents not to burn garden waste or other materials during the current lockdown, but instead to store it safely at home.
As many follow Government advice and stay at home during the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s expected that residents will be spending more time in their gardens, but the authority is keen to highlight the effects of bonfires on those with respiratory conditions.
Residents are reminded that Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause significant respiratory problems for people who contract the illness and those managing their symptoms at home may need to open windows and doors to improve their breathing. In such cases, smoke from a fire could worsen their condition.
Storing waste until Nottinghamshire County Council’s disposal sites reopen also reduces the chances of a fire getting out of control and spreading to neighbouring properties, which would increase pressure on the emergency services at this critical time.
The authority is asking residents to be considerate to their neighbours and assess whether garden waste could be composted or disposed of using Rushcliffe’s Garden Waste Scheme to help reduce the amount of smoke that may disturb their neighbours and add to air pollution.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “Under the current circumstances, we know many are heading to their gardens to enjoy some fresh air.
“We’re appealing to all residents to consider their neighbours and not burn any materials in their garden unnecessarily during this time and help improve air quality for their local community.
“We know it can be inconvenient to store this waste for longer than normal, however we are not currently operating in ‘normal’ times.
“Those with breathing difficulties can find themselves unable to venture outside for exercise or leisure time in their gardens when air pollution is high, and materials are being burnt unnecessarily nearby.
“Please dispose of any garden waste responsibly at this time and visit www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/gardenbins to find out more about our popular Garden Waste Scheme.”