Islanders are being asked to avoid burning household trash in backyard barrels, wood stoves and furnaces.
The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry receives dozens of complaints about burning each year. So far this year, Investigation and Enforcement officers have laid 15 charges and issued 20 written warnings. Under the Environmental Protection Act Air Quality Regulations, it is illegal to burn materials such as rubber, plastic and treated wood. The regulations also prohibit burning of garbage from commercial, industrial or municipal operations. Penalties include a minimum fine of $200 for an individual and $1,000 for a corporation.
Dr. Lamont Sweet, PEI’s Chief Health Officer, said burning garbage in old barrels or wood stoves is a health risk, particularly to Islanders who have asthma or other respiratory problems. Old barrels, wood stoves and furnaces do not reach high enough temperatures to destroy many of the dangerous chemicals created when these materials are burned. Instead, they smolder and smoke, releasing harmful air pollutants, ash and dense smoke. The air contaminants released depend on the materials being burned and the conditions of the fire. For example, waste from treated wood may release arsenic, while certain plastics may release hydrogen chloride gas.
Dr. Sweet said the pollutants generated from open burning of garbage may cause irritation of the nose, throat and skin; wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulties; tightness of the chest; and worsening of existing lung and heart problems. That makes open burning a serious concern for the one in four Islanders who suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
The Waste Watch system provides a safe and convenient way for Islanders to dispose of all their household waste. Households are encouraged to take advantage of the residential fall cleanup which will be held over the next three weeks. Excess metals, waste and compost that meet the cleanup guidelines will be picked up at curbside. Other items including household appliances, large household furniture such as sofas and mattresses, and household hazardous waste can be taken to a Waste Watch Drop-Off Center free of charge any time of the year.
For more information on the Environmental Protection Act Air Quality Regulations, call the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry at (902) 368-5474. For information on the Waste Watch fall cleanup, visit the website at www.iwmc.pe.ca or call Customer Service toll free at 1-888-280-8111.