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It is strongly recommended that citizens do not burn trash in Pennsylvania because of the risks of breathing toxic air and starting forest fires. Individually, a barrell of trash does not have a significant impact on the air quality in a region. However, collectively, multiple burn barrells can have a major impact. It has been difficult for townships to regulate the amount of trash being burned, especially in rural areas where the practice is most common. Individual townships are responsible for passing ordinances regulating backyard trash burning. Therefore, regulations may change from town to town.

Fifty years ago burning trash in the backyard was common and considered a simple solution for getting rid of unwanted waste. Oppostion to backyard burning has increased as citizens have become more aware of the harmful effects to air quality. Today's trash may include many types of plastic and synthetic materials which contain various chemicals and toxins. Open fires that burn at low temperatures, compared to enclosed incinerators which burn at high temperatures and have air pollution controls, release more particulate emissions, heavy metals, and other carcinogenic toxins. Backyard barrell fires are also a major cause of forest fires, especially in warm, dry summer months.

 

 

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