Open burning is the burning of any matter, where smoke and other emissions are released directly into the ambient air without passing through an adequate stack or flue.  

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and your local fire department limit open burning for public health and safety reasons. Open burning pollutes the air and can make it difficult for people with respiratory problems to breathe. Open burning can also create smoke and odor nuisances as well as health risks to nearby residents, particularly in densely populated areas.

The DEP encourages the use of recycling and alternate methods for disposal of brush and other types of solid waste:    

• Recycle paper products whenever possible - General Recycling Information
• Yard debris, including grass, leaves and branches can be composted or mulched - Composting and Organics Recycling
• Recycle clean fill, concrete, rubble, and asphalt  - Construction and Demolition Aggregate Recycling
• Use and dispose of treated wood products appropriately - Proper Disposal of Treated Lumber

Circumstances Under Which Open Burning may be Allowed in Connecticut

• A resident may burn clean brush (3” in diameter or less) on the property where he or she resides with an open burning permit from the town's Local Open Burning Official.  Residents must check with their town for permit requirements prior to burning.

• A town may burn clean brush in its landfill, recycling center, or transfer station up to six times a year with a permit from the DEP.

Situations Where Open Burning is Not Allowed

• Open burning of brush to clear land prior to construction or burning of construction debris, household trash, or leaves is prohibited.

• Open burning is prohibited when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is rated Unhealthy to Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy

• Open burning is prohibited when the Forest Fire Danger Index is rated High, Very High, or Extreme.

Complaints about open burning can be directed to the Air Complaints phone line at 860-424-3464 or sent by e-mail to dep.aircomplaints@ct.gov.

Content Last Updated on April 7, 2009