Storm Debris Burning

Safe Disposal of Storm Debris

Landowners, contractors and municipalities are encouraged to grind vegetative debris into wood chips when possible. Limit allowed open burning as much as possible because the smoke from outdoor fires can cause serious health problems and pollute the air. Burning debris in approved air curtain incinerators emits less smoke and harmful pollution than open burning. 

Following a major storm, many counties and municipalities arrange to pick up limbs and other debris piled along the curb, or residents can haul debris to approved landfills. Debris should be separated into distinct piles for vegetation (logs, stumps, limbs, etc.), household trash (garbage, paper, food, etc.), and other materials (building materials, carpets, furniture, etc.).

Learn more from the Division of Waste Management. 

Open Burning of Storm Debris

The Division of Air Quality’s open burning rules limit what can be burned outdoors, and when. It is always illegal to burn trash or any man-made materials, including construction and demolition debris generated by natural disasters.

Landowners may be allowed to burn vegetation to clear land or clean up storm debris, but they must first request permission from the nearest Division of Air Quality regional office or local air program (view contact information). All open burning rules, including restrictions involving setbacks and burn times, still apply. People seeking to burn may also need permits from the N.C. Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Debris burning guidance memo

Limit allowed open burning as much as possible because the smoke from outdoor fires can cause serious health problems and pollute the air. For example, a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that backyard burning of trash from a family of four can emit as much of some pollutants, such as dioxin and furan, as a well-controlled municipal incinerator serving tens of thousands of households. In particular, health hazards arise from burning:

• Demolition debris and building materials, including treated or coated wood
• Asphalt shingles and heavy oils
• Wire, insulation, plastics and other synthetic materials
• Garbage, paper and cardboard
• Tires and other rubber products
• Paints and household or agricultural chemicals

Burning construction debris could jeopardize FEMA reimbursement for debris collection and disposal if the debris contains hazardous waste (such as asbestos) or would result in an air quality violation.

Guidance for Air Curtain Incinerators (ACIs)

Burning disaster debris in approved air curtain incinerators (ACIs) emits less smoke and harmful pollution than open burning. The use of ACIs to dispose of material generated by a natural disaster has specific requirements. The below memo has specific information on regulations related to the duration of operation, notification requirements, permitting, permissible materials and other restrictions.

Burning Disaster Debris with an Air Curtain Incinerator

For additional questions about using an air curtain incinerator to handle storm-related debris, contact Taylor Hartsfield at 919-707-8497 or taylor.hartsfield@deq.nc.gov.