Burning garbage raises safety and environmental concerns

In Minnesota, backyard burning of garbage is still common. A 2005 survey in the state concluded that 45 percent of rural Minnesotans dispose of their household wastes in burn barrels, fire pits, or similar devices, burning anywhere from less than a bag of garbage per week to more than two bags per week.

Often waste burning is being done in woodstoves used to heat homes. This is troubling to officials in both environmental protection agencies and fire safety organizations. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, with help from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, has launched an educational campaign to remind people of the hazards of burning garbage.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence spoke with Aaron Mielke of Grand Marais, a Minnesota DNR forester, as well as the Grand Marais Fire Department assistant chief, to learn more.

Click below for:

More information on the rules prohibiting garbage burning.

More information on health hazards of burning trash.

An MPCA fact sheet on burning.