Columnists > Ellen Brown > ArticlesMay 02, 2006

By Ellen Brown

I grew up in a rural community in the 1970s and 80s with a burn barrel in the backyard. Like most of our neighbors, our family burned trash in an effort to minimize costly trips to the dump. As a kid, it was one of my favorite chores. I mean, what kid doesn't like being asked to light stuff on fire? We kept our burning confined to a 55-gallon drum (no big mattresses or car tires), but we burned our fair share of paper and plastic. If only I had known then what I know now, I would have dragged my feet kicking and screaming if I had been asked to "take this out to the burn barrel."

Why We Burn

Burning garbage has long been an acceptable way to dispose of waste in America, especially in small rural communities. In the past, it was literally the only way some people could get rid of their household waste. Today however, residents in every community and rural area have access to either a landfill or a waste collection service. Yet despite this fact, the use of burn barrels is still widely practiced in many parts of the United States. Studies indicate that some people burn their garbage to avoid the cost of waste removal or the inconvenience of dumping at landfills. Others believe that by burning their garbage, they are reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Most are simply not aware of the dangers that burning household waste creates.

The Burning Facts

Burning paper, plastic and food scraps seems harmless enough, but the truth is that burning garbage-even paper-poses serious risks to human health, property and the environment. And it's not just the eye, throat and respiratory problems from smoke. As garbage burns, toxic chemicals are released including, arsenic, mercury, formaldehyde, hydrochloric acid, lead and many others.

Burning garbage also releases dioxins, a known carcinogen. Dioxins are produced when materials containing chlorine (like most paper and many plastics) are burned. When garbage is burned, these heavy metals and chemicals are released, unfiltered, into the air. They build up in the soil and water in our environment and make their way into our bodies through the foods we eat and the water we drink, causing serious health concerns for our children and ourselves. The EPA confirms that exposure to dioxins through food poses one of the highest cancer risks to Americans among toxic chemicals.

And then there are the fire dangers. A fire hazard exists as long as a burn barrel is burning and the ashes continue to smolder. Even a small pile of smoldering ash can start a wildfire days after the garbage was initially burned.

Alternatives to Burning

As of 2005, burning household waste in burn barrels has only been banned in 17 states. Several local laws may also prohibit using burn barrels, but that still leaves 33 states where burn barrels are either legal or regulated. If you or someone you know still practices burning household garbage, consider these safer alternatives:

Dispose of Waste Safely-Have your waste picked up by a licensed waste removal company or take it to a local landfill, transfer station, or a drop-off center. Your local environmental or waste management department will be able to help you find a hauler and locate a nearby landfill.

• Precycle: Think before you buy. Shop for recyclable and reusable products rather than those that are short lived and disposable.

• Reduce: Buy in bulk and buy products that can be reused or refilled. Reduce unwanted mail by instructing companies you do business with to not sell or give away your name and address. Write to Mail Preference Service, c/o Direct Mail Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, New York 11735 or call 212 768-7277 to be removed from national mailing lists. Or, visit them online at www.dmaconsumers.org/offmailinglist.html Shred personal documents instead of burning them.

• Reuse: Unwanted clothing, furniture, and toys can be donated to a local charity and given to friends. Hospitals and nursing homes are usually grateful for unwanted magazines and books. Lumber and other construction supplies can be saved for future projects or dropped off at a reuse center.

• Recycle: Newsprint, glass, metals, plastics and even some electronics can be recycled. Separate recyclables from your waste and drop them off at a local recycling center or electronics recycling center. If your community doesn't offer curbside recycling or have a recycling center, start a movement to make those services available.

• Mulch & Compost: Turn brush and wood into chips useful for decorative landscaping projects or as mulch for the garden. Leaves, grass clippings and food waste are easily composted and turned into "black gold" for the garden.

Become an Advocate for Reducing Waste: Manufacturers listen to their customers. Write them and tell them they have lost your business until they stop using excess packaging or non recyclable/reusable materials. Educate your family and neighbors about the danger of burn barrels.

About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

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