DONEGAL County Council says it is monitoring a number of locations where waste materials have in the past been supplied as bonfire material.
According to the local authority there has been a significant reduction in the number of bonfires over recent years as the public recognises the importance of responsible waste management. But a renewed warning has been issued that it is illegal to provide materials for such blazes.
Council’s Waste Awareness Officer, Suzanne Bogan, said, “Donegal County Council is currently monitoring a number of locations where waste materials have been supplied as bonfire material over the past number of years.
“While traditionally wood and straw were used on bonfires, in recent times materials such as tyres, mattresses, couches, furniture, plastics, aerosols, foam, metal, painted timber, treated timber, household waste are burned.
“This type of activity is illegal. It is also an offence to supply waste materials to parties collecting for bonfires. The uncontrolled burning of these waste types is very damaging to our health and environment as harmful dioxins are created and released into the air that we breathe.”
Ms Bogan added that Halloween can be fun, especially for children and young people. But it is also a time of year that can cause serious damage and injuries both to the environment and health.
“To protect human health and the environment, Donegal County Council is asking all businesses and commercial outlets who deal in, or have dealt with, the sale, supply, delivery, collection or treatment of tyres or waste tyres to ensure that all tyres and waste tyres are safely secured and managed accordingly so as they do not potentially or inadvertently form part of any bonfire.”
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