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Learn Before You Burn!

Official Burning Season – Permit Required!

Between October 15 - May 15, every year state law requires citizens to obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry before conducting any open burning of wood debris. Permits are free of charge. You must call 1-800-367-3507 to obtain a permit. Days outside of the official burning season do not require a permit.

In the State of Tennessee and Rutherford County there are items that are illegal to burn at any time during the year.

It is illegal to burn:

• Tires and any rubber products
• Vinyl siding and shingles
• Asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing materials and demolition debris
• Building material, construction debris and mobile homes
• Plywood, oriented strand board and treated wood, including railroad ties
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Aerosol cans and food cans
• Copper wire and electrical wires
• Plastics and other synthetic materials
• Paper products, cardboard and newspaper
• Any household trash

What can you burn?

You may burn only what nature has given you! Leaves, branches, trees, stumps, grass clippings etc. However, it is illegal to burn any of these materials that were not grown on-site. Transporting, dumping, and burning on another site is subject to steep fines.

State law allows for a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per day for each day of violation of the Air Quality Act regardless of the size of the burn.

Other Regulations:

• At least 1 person shall be constantly present at the burn site the entire length of the burn.
• Each burn shall not exceed 48 hours in duration.
• Burning shall not occur more than twice in any 30 day period.
• If burning occur within 100 feet of an occupied building it may occur only if an adult occupant of that structure give written authorization for the burn to occur and has not rescinded authorization in writing.
• Citizens living within the limits of a city or town are encouraged to check with their government for any local burning restrictions that might apply.
• Recycling and composting are alternatives to open burning recommended by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
• Household garbage that cannot be recycled should be disposed in a permitted landfill.
  http://www.rutherfordcountytn.gov/dept/landfill.htm

County Convenience Centers and private garbage haulers are options for property owners to appropriately dispose of household trash.

What You Should Know About Open Burning in Tennessee Brochure: http://tennessee.gov/environment/apc/pdf/OpenBurningBrochure.pdf

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