Delaware's Open Burning Ban Starts May 1 - Here's What You Need to Know

State of DE - Delaware's annual open burning ban is back, and it kicks off Thursday, May 1. The ban runs through September 30 and applies to residents and visitors across the entire state.

The ban is put in place each year during what is known as ozone season. The goal is to protect air quality during the hotter months when pollution and emissions can cause more harm.

Gerald Mood, an Environmental Scientist with DNREC's Division of Air Quality, explained why the ban matters. "The visible smoke and invisible emissions from burning contain pollutants, which are not only bad for the environment, but for anyone breathing - both close to the fire source and downwind," he said. "These pollutants can also contribute to ozone, smog, haze and reduced visibility, especially in the hotter weather."

So, what is actually banned?

During the burn ban, most outdoor burning is not allowed. This means no burning of yard waste, debris, or other materials from May 1 through September 30.

However, not everything is off the table. Cooking fires, recreational campfires, and ceremonial bonfires are still permitted year-round, as long as they use firewood, charcoal, propane, or natural gas.

What can you do with yard waste instead?

DNREC is encouraging residents to use alternatives to burning during this time. You can put yard waste out for curbside pickup or take it to a drop-off site. More information on yard waste disposal is available at de.gov/yardwaste.

Another option is to chip or shred limbs and branches and turn them into mulch. You can also add yard waste to a compost pile. Details on composting can be found at de.gov/composting.

What about the rest of the year?

From October 1 through April 30, some residential open burning is allowed but comes with restrictions. Residents may burn cut or fallen limbs, dead branches, or shrubbery only between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. No more than 27 cubic feet of yard waste can be burned at one time.

For a full list of open burning rules, visit de.gov/openburning.

What is never allowed - no matter the time of year?

There are some things that are always illegal to burn in Delaware, regardless of the season. These include leaves and pine needles, grass, trash, garbage, tires, construction and demolition waste, paper, cardboard, plastic, furniture, fabric, and mattresses.

If you are caught burning during the ban, Delaware Natural Resources Police Environmental Crimes Unit can issue citations. Violations are punishable by fines, including court costs, if convicted.

The burn ban is a reminder that what goes up in smoke does not just disappear. It affects the air everyone in the community breathes, from kids playing outside to older residents with breathing conditions.

If you have questions about what is and is not allowed, visit DNREC's website or check out the resources listed above.