This spring when you clean out your garden or trim back that bush in your yard, you will be left with yard waste — but what should you do with it? Putting yard waste in yard waste bags can be a pain. If you have a backyard fire pit, you may be asking — can I burn yard waste in my fire pit? We may be able to help answer your questions about burning yard waste at Fox River Fire Rings in Neenah, WI.
Do I Need a Burn Permit to Burn Yard Waste?
Wisconsin residents with a backyard fire pit may be tempted to burn yard waste and avoid using yard waste bags — but do you need a burn permit to burn yard waste? Whether or not you need a burn permit for your backyard fire pit will depend on where you live. In general — Wisconsin residents can burn small amounts of dry yard waste — but local communities may have specific fire ordinances in place that residents need to follow and select counties in the state require a burn permit at all times.
The state law in Wisconsin allows you to burn small amounts of individual household yard waste in your backyard fire pit. This is allowed if you meet two primary requirements:
- The yard waste is from normal household activities and is limited to select natural materials.
- The yard waste is burned on your property or the property where it originated from.
Legal Yard Waste Materials to Burn
Yard waste is limited to small amounts of yard debris and clean wood from a single household according to regulations provided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This yard waste can be burned on the ground in a fire pit or in burn barrels — unless burn restrictions or local fire ordinances preclude it. Here is a better look at yard waste materials that are allowed to be burned and materials that cannot be burned.
Allowed Materials
- Brush
- Leaves
- Grass
- Pine Needles
- Clean (Untreated) Wood
- Unrecyclable Paper
- Unrecyclable Cardboard
Not Allowed Materials
- Household Garbage
- Plastic Materials
- Shingles
- Foam Materials
- Structures
- Furniture
- Wire and Electronics
- Metal Materials
- Vinyl Materials
- Rubber Materials
- Oil-Based Materials
- Painted, Stained, or Treated Wood
READ MORE: Traditional Wood Fire Pits vs Smokeless Fire Pits
When spring arrives, it is time for yard cleanup for many Wisconsin families and many people may be asking — can I burn yard waste in my fire pit? In general, yes you can, but it is important to check your local fire ordinances for information specific to your community.
Contact Fox River Fire Rings today for more information on our custom fire rings manufactured in Neenah, WI!
