Fire service and Edinburgh Council tell public not to burn garden waste

Waste collections have been suspended.

The Fire Service, Edinburgh Council and the British Lung Foundation have issued a warning to the public not to burn garden waste on bonfires while collections are suspended.

Garden waste pick-ups were put on hold from Tuesday April 7, to focus resources on more essential services and protect the health of bin workers.

People are advised to compost grass and tree cuttings instead, or to store waste until collections resume.

The Council has urged against garden bonfires.

Council Leader Adam McVey warned the smoke from bonfires can put people’s health at risk, especially those with respiratory problems.

The Fire Service added that crews being sent to bonfires diverts them from other emergencies.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland, said: “It’s really concerning to see reports of garden waste burning on the rise in recent weeks. This creates a risk to children and older neighbours, who suffer from asthma and COPD, due to the smoke it produces.

“About 1 in 5 people in Scotland have a pre-existing lung condition and they are particularly vulnerable at the moment. It’s really important that during this time of social isolation we all take the necessary steps needed to keep both ourselves and others safe.

“I urge everyone to be mindful of the health of others and follow the advice of the Scottish Fire and Rescue services – who advise not to burn waste in outdoor spaces.”

Adam McVey said: “Be assured that as soon as we can we will resume garden collections and reopen the community recycling centres. But for now, and we don’t yet know how long for, we’re asking you to help in our effort to keep residents and our waste staff safe.

“We really appreciate your patience while we’re not able to collect garden waste and glass recycling due to the changes we’ve had to make.

“We appreciate that while our garden waste collections have stopped to let us deliver other, essential services people will need to find ways of managing their excess garden waste where they don’t have means to home compost.

“But we are appealing to anyone carrying out gardening this weekend not to get rid of it by burning bonfires, as the smoke can pose a risk to people’s health, particularly the vulnerable and those with respiratory problems.

“By following our tips for composting garden waste, or hanging on to it until collections begin again, instead of burning it, you will be helping us to safeguard the health of people who live here, as well as reducing any impact on our emergency services.”

Kenny Rogers, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Local Senior Officer for the City of Edinburgh, said: "As we all spend more time indoors, you can help us help you by working to reduce risk in and around your home.

"We will always be here for our communities, but when firefighters are mobilised to unnecessary incidents, it can divert them from genuine emergencies.

"That is why I would urge everyone to stay safe this Easter weekend and to do their bit to protect themselves and others by disposing of garden refuse carefully and responsibly."