Epa in halloween bonfire appeal

As Halloween approaches, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking households and businesses in County Meath to help maintain Ireland’s high air quality standards and not to damage the air in surrounding towns and villages during their Halloween celebrations.

EPA scientific officer Martin Doyle said to keep air clean in Meath, the EPA is asking people not to use bonfires to dispose of household or hazardous waste. 'Waste burning or ‘backyard burning’ and bonfires are a source of atmospheric pollutants which can create a real hazard for people’s health with some of the pollutants remaining in the environment for years,” he said.

The most recent National Waste Report estimated that 28 per cent of households did not avail of, or were not offered, a curbside waste collection service which increases the likelihood of people using illegal methods of burning waste.

Martin Doyle added: “As many people may be gathering material for a local bonfire, the EPA want to remind Meath residents that only individuals who carry an accredited Waste Collection Permit are allowed to stockpile waste. It’s illegal and can result in prosecution by your local authority. Many residents and businesses may not be aware that breaches of waste regulations could lead to fines of up to €3,000.”