Program Template photo identifier

Air Quality Program

Man composting

What to do instead of burning:

"Be the Difference - Breathe the Difference"

You can be the difference in keeping our air clean and healthy. You can breathe the difference.

Smoke from outdoor burning can be just as bad for your health as cigarette smoke. Protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors by choosing not to burn.

It is illegal to burn in a burn barrel in Washington!

What can you do instead of burning yard waste?

Select the map graphic below to get information about what to do with yard waste in your county.

Washington Map Inset

If you live in an urban growth area and can't burn your yard waste -- or if you choose not to burn for health reasons -- there are plenty of other ways to dispose of yard waste.  These include:

  • Chipping
  • Composting
  • Curbside pickup
  • Community-wide or neighborhood cleanup days
  • Taking your yard waste to a landfill (many landfills in Washington have reduced fees or special fees for yard waste)

Information about natural yard care

WSU Extension gardening information

Local area information

Why is outdoor burning a problem?

Young person breathing smoke from an outdoor fireSmoke from outdoor burning pollutes the air, causing serious health problems.  Much like cigarette smoke, the smoke from burning leaves, grass, brush, and tree needles can cause asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and lung cancer.  Children, the elderly, and those with breathing problems are most harmed by poor air quality.

Burning also pollutes our water and soil.  Smoke particles fall into our water and on our soil.

Backyard fires can destroy property.  Backyard fires that get out of control set off most of the wildfires caused by people.  You can be held responsible for the cost of putting out your out-of-control fire, which can be very expensive.

Information resources

General information about outdoor burning:

Public Service Announcements - April 2009

English language

En Español

Local area information:

Burn barrels:

English language

En Español

Burn permits:

Urban Growth Areas:

Information for builders:

Contact Us for these counties: Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties

Contact Us for these counties: Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat and Okanogan counties

Other County

Quick Links


Find alternatives to burning yard waste in your county

Local area information

Why is outdoor burning a problem?

Report a smoke complaint

Information resources

Contact your air quality agency

It is illegal to burn in a burn barrel in Washington!