Illegal Burning

Washington State law prohibits burning of solid waste, including garbage or rubbish, Chapter 173-425 Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Outdoor Burning. Where burning is allowed, only natural vegetation or firewood is legal to burn. State law prohibits burning in burn barrels, and the burning of construction and demolition debris.

In Jefferson County, the burning of garbage is punishable by a $513 fine and any evidence of burned garbage is adequate proof for the fine to be imposed (Jefferson County Code 8.10.025).

Prohibited Materials

  • Asphalt
  • Cardboard
  • Construction Debris
  • Dead Animals
  • Garbage
  • Metal
  • Paper
  • Petroleum Products
  • Petroleum Products
  • Plastic
  • Rubber Products
  • Treated Wood
In addition, any substance that, when burned, releases toxic emissions, dense smoke or obnoxious odors (other than natural vegetation) is prohibited from being burned. Only dry natural vegetation and, in some cases, clean, dry, untreated, unpainted wood that is not construction debris may be burned in an outdoor fire.

Outdoor burning is banned altogether in some areas and is prohibited during certain times of the year in others. Check with your local fire department or Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA).