Outdoor Burning
Allowed
Washington Administrative Code
WAC 173-425 bans the use of a burn barrel and prohibits the burning of all material, except natural vegetation grown on the property and firewood (defined as bare untreated wood, not dimensional lumber). This regulation also prohibits burning during periods of impaired air quality and prohibits outdoor burning from becoming a nuisance to surrounding neighbors and businesses. Fire safety burn-bans may also be called by county or local fire protection authorities.
Burn Barrel Use Prohibited
The use of a burn barrel was banned in the State of Washington effective April 13, 2000. Burning garbage has been illegal in the State of Washington since 1967.
Areas Where Burning Is Not Allowed
WAC 173-425-040(3)(4)(5) prohibits outdoor burning
in cities with a population of greater then 10,000, adjacent areas with a population density of one thousand or more persons per square mile, and areas
with a reasonable alternative to burning.
"Recreational fires are limited to 3ft x 3ft x 2ft using dry, seasoned firewood only, no yard debris. SWCAA recommends converting wood burning firepits to gas or propane, to avoid unnecessary air pollution and smoke complaints. Burn Bans may apply. To learn more recreational burning visit Burning FAQ on https://www.swcleanair.gov/"
"Residential burning" means the outdoor burning of leaves, clippings, prunings and other yard and gardening refuse originating on lands immediately adjacent and in close proximity to a human dwelling and burned on such lands by the property owner or his or her designee. [RCW 70.94.750(1)]"
For piles larger than 10'x10'x6' and land clearing operations you need to contact Southwest Clean Air Agency to request an appointment for a land clearing burning permit. Depending on the time of year it can take up to a week to schedule the site inspection so please make your appointment in advance. There is a $100.00 permit fee.
To qualify for agricultural burning inside the no-burn boundaries you must have filed a "Schedule F" with your federal income tax. Orchard prunings alond do not qualify for an agriculural burn and other restrictions apply WAC 173-430. Contact Southwest Clean Air Agency for detailed information, forms and possible fees.
Composing, Chipping and Recycling are viable alternatives to outdoor burning that create a resource instead of air pollution and solid waste products.
Composting is an easy and inexpensive way to turn yard and garden refuse into a usable and valuable product. Compost turns organic matter like leaves, grass, weeds, and wood chips, into a rich soil conditioner.
Chipping brush, prunings, land-clearing debris and wood waste makes an excellent mulch or substitute for decorative bark. Chips can protect soil and help keep weeds at bay. They can also be used to line garden paths and trails or provide a softer landing under playground equipment.
Recycling/Reuse Many options are available in our area for wood and building scraps, pallets, cardboard and other paper products, and even some types of plastic. Contact the Department of Solid Waste/Recycling (360) 577-3361 or the State Recycling Hotline at (800) 732-9253 for options in your area.
Transfer Station / Landfill The Cowlitz County landfill will accept organic waste for a reasonable fee. Call 360-577-3126 for more information.