Alternatives to Burning

Washington State Department of Ecology

AIR QUALITY

Man composting

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.

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

"Be the Difference - Breathe the Difference"

What can you do instead of burning yard waste?

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, including:

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)

Click the map graphic to find locations in your county that collect yard waste.

Why is outdoor burning a problem?

Young person breathing smoke from an outdoor fire Smoke 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.