Bonfire ban to protect those self isolating due to coronavirus

Bonfires have been banned in Edinburgh during the coronavirus crisis in a bid to keep the air clear for those who are self isolating.

Edinburgh City Council is warning residents not to burn garden waste or any other rubbish to help protect others during the lockdown.

People have been told to compost if possible rather than burn waste as the smoke can create air pollution for the vulnerable and those with respiratory problems.

The warning comes a week after the council suspended kerbside garden waste collections in response to the coronavirus restrictions.

Council leader Adam McVey said: “It’s been extremely heartening to see Edinburgh’s residents playing their part in our response to this crisis by staying indoors and looking out for one another.

“Be assured that as soon as we can we will resume garden collections and reopen the community recycling centres. But for now, and we don’t yet know how long for, we’re asking you to help in our effort to keep residents and our waste staff safe.

“We really appreciate your patience while we’re not able to collect garden waste and glass recycling due to the changes we’ve had to make.

‘We are appealing to anyone carrying out gardening this weekend not to get rid of it by burning bonfires, as the smoke can pose a risk to people’s health, particularly the vulnerable and those with respiratory problems.’
Adam McVey, council leader

“We appreciate that while our garden waste collections have stopped to let us deliver other, essential services people will need to find ways of managing their excess garden waste where they don’t have means to home compost.

“But we are appealing to anyone carrying out gardening this weekend not to get rid of it by burning bonfires, as the smoke can pose a risk to people’s health, particularly the vulnerable and those with respiratory problems.

“By following our tips for composting garden waste, or hanging on to it until collections begin again, instead of burning it, you will be helping us to safeguard the health of people who live here, as well as reducing any impact on our emergency services.

Kenny Rogers, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service local senior officer for the City of Edinburgh, said: “As we all spend more time indoors, you can help us help you by working to reduce risk in and around your home.

“We will always be here for our communities, but when firefighters are mobilised to unnecessary incidents, it can divert them from genuine emergencies.

“That is why I would urge everyone to stay safe this Easter weekend and to do their bit to protect themselves and others by disposing of garden refuse carefully and responsibly.”