Delaware’s annual open burning ban begins May 1 to protect air quality

Delaware’s annual open burning ban goes into effect today, May 1, and will remain in place through September 30, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality during the high-risk ozone season.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) reminds residents and visitors that most forms of outdoor burning are prohibited during this time.

The seasonal ban aims to reduce the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that becomes more prevalent with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.

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“The burning ban is critical for continuing to improve our air quality,” said Environmental Scientist Gerald Mood of the DNREC Division of Air Quality. “As summer temperatures rise, and as we get longer daylight hours, the conditions which allow for the formation of ground level ozone become more prevalent.”

Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from sources such as smoke interact with sunlight.

In addition to causing environmental harm, ozone can pose serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.

While the ban restricts most burning, exceptions are made for small-scale activities such as cooking fires, recreational campfires, and ceremonial bonfires.

However, these too may be temporarily banned if an Air Quality Action Day is declared or if the State Fire Marshal imposes additional restrictions.

The ban covers agricultural and prescribed burns, as well as the burning of yard debris like brush and tree limbs.

It is illegal at any time of year to burn leaves, grass, trash, or other refuse materials, including tires, plastics, and construction waste.

DNREC encourages residents to use safer alternatives for disposing of yard waste, such as curbside pickup services, drop-off sites, mulching, or composting.

More information on these options is available here.

Violations of the open burning ban can be reported to DNREC’s Environmental Hotline at 1-800-662-8802.