Open Burning
The unrestricted open burning
of materials has been determined to be detrimental to the public health,
environment, and air quality. Open burning increases the pollutants
in the atmosphere and is a general health hazard.
The Colorado Air Pollution
Control Laws and Regulations generally prohibit open burning throughout
the state unless a burn permit has been obtained from the appropriate
air pollution control authority.
In cooperation with the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Weld County
Department of Public Health and Environment regulates the open burning
of any materials.
Allowable Open Burning
An open burning permit
may be issued for weeds, small branches, leaves, garden debris, and
brush.
Private
Household Trash: Paper, cardboard, and untreated wood products are
the only household trash that can be burned. Household trash also
contains rubber, plastic, food wastes, wet paper, treated or coated
wood products, and other constituents which may not be burned.
Agricultural Burning: Burning
of cover vegetation for the purpose of preparing the soil for crop
production, weed control, clearing irrigation ditches, and other agricultural
cultivation purposes is allowed without a permit. This does not include
open burning around the house and yard in rural areas.
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Burn Permits
Burn Permits are issued
for compliance with air pollution control requirements only and are
not a permit to violate any existing local laws, rules, regulations,
or ordinances regarding fire, zoning or building.
Some municipalities further
restrict open burning, such as Greeley, Platteville, Frederick and
Fort Lupton. Check with your local municipality before applying for
an open burning permit.
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Prohibited Open Burning
A burn permit may not be
issued for the disposal of large amounts of materials for with a practical
alternative disposal method exists. The alternate disposal method
does not have to be as cost effective or convenient as open burning.
A burning permit may not
be issued for any of the following: plastic, tires, insulation on
wire, car bodies, any painted material, oil products including waste
oil, treated wood products including railroad ties, dump or landfill
burning, and any material which will yield large volumes of smoke
and particulate.
No permits will be issued
for the burning of buildings or structures for disposal.
No permits will be issued
for wood residue from wood processing activities.
No permits will be issued
for burning of improper materials as household trash.
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Enforcement
The Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment's Air Pollution Control Division
and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment's
Environmental Health Services Division are responsible for the enforcement
of Air Pollution Control Laws and Regulations in Weld County.
Burning without a permit
or burning improper materials may subject the responsible party to
penalties from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's
Air Pollution Control Division including fines between $100 and $10,000
depending on the nature of the violation.
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Alternatives
There are numerous landfills
located in Weld County and can be utilized to properly dispose of
materials. Many times tree limbs, lumber, and landscape wastes can
be disposed of at a commercial composting facility. Use a backyard-composting
bin. Utilize the periodic cleanup days sponsored by many communities.
Utilize the Weld County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers.
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Additional Information
Weld County Department
of Public Health & Environment's Environmental Health Services
1555 N. 17th
Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 304-6415
Hazardous Waste Collection
Centers
Greeley Area: (970) 304-6415
ext. 2233
Fort Lupton Area: (970)
857-4334 ext. 2233
