To Burn or Not to Burn—Considerations for Forsyth Residents this Fall

 

It’s that time of year again, and those who are not offered yard waste pick up may be left wondering what to do with all the leaf litter.  


Leaf burning is seen as a solution for some, but it may be illegal depending on where you live. Even where the burning of leaves and other vegetation is generally allowed, there are specific conditions that must be met, including a code green or yellow air quality forecast for that day. To learn more, check out the Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance & Protection webpage on residential burning.

In addition to the legal considerations, burning leaves and other vegetation is a potential fire hazard. It also creates air pollution by producing toxic gases (like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons) and particulate matter, which are tiny, inhalable solid particles and liquid droplets, some of which are even small enough in diameter (<2.5 microns) to enter the bloodstream. Inhalation of these particles and gases can cause serious health effects, especially for those who have asthma or other respiratory diseases or cardiovascular conditions. Atrium Health provides a more complete discussion on the potential human health impacts of leaf burning.

For those who do not have a leaf collection service and would like to find an alternative to leaf burning, this Purdue University Extension article explains the health and environmental benefits of leaf composting and mulching.

As a reminder, the burning of trash and other manmade materials is always illegal in the state of North Carolina.

Location: Forsyth County, NC, USA

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