7 reasons to ditch the bonfire

With several Bank Holidays on the horizon, many people are turning their thoughts to tidying up their garden.

Some may be tempted to burn their garden waste – but there are many reasons to avoid bonfires and use alternatives like Council garden waste collection services instead.

We’re pleased to be working with Southampton City Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, New Forest District Council and Winchester City Council to raise awareness of the damage caused by bonfires. Here are our top 7 reasons to ditch the bonfire this season.

A hedgehog nestling in a pile of leaves

Bonfires cause particulate air pollution, which harms the health of you, your family and neighbours.

This type of air pollution has been directly linked with diseases such as asthma, heart disease, stroke, cancer and dementia.

Bonfires can cause a nuisance to neighbours who may be driven inside by the smell of smoke and concerns about air pollution. No one wants their washing drying on the line to smell of smoke!

Smoke from a neighbour’s bonfire can seep into nearby homes and cause indoor air pollution too.

Stacks of vegetation and garden materials provide a wonderful home for nesting birds, hedgehogs, frogs, toads and newts. Sadly, many creatures die each year by being burnt alive in a bonfire.

Leaving some garden waste to rot down will provide a home and food for our dwindling insect population – including pollinators such as bees that are vital to our food chain.

Making your own compost from your garden waste will not only improve your soil quality but it will also save you money! You can also shred your garden waste to make a mulch for your garden.

Bonfires produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to the climate crisis.

Bonfires can easily get out of control and spread to nearby fences or buildings and scorch trees and plants. They are a risk to children playing nearby.

Find out more about garden waste collection services in your area:

Southampton City Councils garden waste collection service

Eastleigh Borough Councils garden waste collection service

New Forest District Councils garden waste collection service

Winchester City Councils garden waste collection service

Lady in a pink t-shirt bending down to tend to her garden plants.