Council services
Bonfires
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There are no byelaws prohibiting bonfires. Bonfires can be a practical way to dispose of garden waste and if used sensitively should not cause concern. However if someone is causing a nuisance by regularly burning rubbish there is a legal process to prevent this.
Bonfires can be irritating because:
- Smoke, smuts and smell can prevent neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out
- Smoke adds to the general background level of air pollution, especially if the air is still
- Smoke can cause acute health problems for children, asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers and people with heart conditions
However to be considered a nuisance a bonfire would have to be a persistent problem, interfering substantially with well being, comfort or enjoyment of property.
To make a complaint contact:
- Email direct to environmental.health@wokingham.gov.uk
- Telephone us on 0118 974 6382 or 0118 974 6765
- Fax us on 0118 974 6401
- An out of office hours complaint can be lodged with Forestcare on 0800 212111
Also under law anyone lighting a fire and allowing smoke to drift across a road faces a fine if it endangers traffic. Contact the police on 0118 953 6000 in this case.
Composting and recycling
Rather than burning garden waste or putting food waste in the dustbin where it will end up buried or incinerated, a compost bin will produce a useful soil conditioner. Wood waste can be shredded to make it suitable for composting or mulching. To obtain a compost bin at a reduced price call Straight Recycling on 0870 844 3007.
Household waste can be taken to the waste and recyling centres at either Longshot Lane, Bracknell or the Civic Amenity Site, Basingstoke Road, Reading.
Large articles of furniture/fridges/freezers can be taken away for a small charge. Please phone 0800 838 878 to arrange this.
We provide local amenity skips for the disposal of household waste. Details of the timetable and locations of these skips can be obtained from your local parish council.
