Embracing alternatives to outdoor burning
Environment Canterbury media release: 26th May 2025
Smoky outdoor fires can be an issue at this time of year. There are alternatives to outdoor burning that are better for our environment and won't impact air quality.
Mulching
Mulch is used to cover soil. Laying down lawn clippings and leaves for mulching will enrich your soil and plant life. It traps moisture in the soil, which is beneficial in drought-prone areas, maintains nutrients, and helps prevent weed growth.
Organic mulch can be made of bark, leaves, straw, and grass clippings.
Composting
Composting organic material like leaves, grass clippings, and food waste is great for your garden and reduces the amount of organic waste going to landfill - win-win! Composting is simple and can be done by anyone, you can even get your kids involved. All you need is a carbon-rich material (dried leaves, for example), nitrogen-rich material (food waste, manure), and water.
Lovefoodhatewaste has a guide to start your at-home compost.
Kerbside collection services or transfer stations
Use your kerbside collection service or take your rubbish to a transfer site to save you from managing an on-site outdoor burn.
Get more information on collection or transfer sites on your local council’s website.
Recycling farm plastics
Farm plastics can be recycled through:
Outdoor burning rules
You cannot burn outdoors if your property is under two hectares - even if you live rurally. You will need resource consent to burn green waste.
The only exception to this rule is outdoor cooking including BBQs, pizza ovens and hāngī/umu, as long as the smoke is not offensive and beyond your property boundary.
If your property is larger than two hectares, you can burn dry vegetation, paper, cardboard, and untreated wood only. Do not burn refuse.
Try one or more alternatives like mulching or composting before you burn.
If you decide to burn outdoors, you must meet:
Contact Environment Canterbury if you are concerned about a burn in Canterbury.
You can also use the Snap Send Solve app on your phone.