Texans Ask: Can I Burn My Yard Debris?
It may seem like it is taking a long time to get rid of trees, branches, and other types of yard waste left after the hurricane. Many people wonder if it wouldn't just make sense to have a “burn pile” to get rid of this waste. But before burning any yard waste, it is important to find out if burning is allowed in your area. Some counties or neighborhoods have rules banning burning.
If burning is allowed, make sure you burn safely.
- Keep at least 50 feet away from any buildings
- Keep fires at least 20 feet from any trees or shrubs.
- Never burn when the wind speed is over 15 mph.
- Keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby
- An adult should be present at all times.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
You should think about the health effects that burning might have before you burn. The smoke produced when you burn wood and other yard waste is made up of a complex mixture of gases and small dust-like particles called particulate matter. This particulate matter can cause health problems because it can get into your eyes, lungs, and sometimes even your blood. The smoke can cause burning eyes and a runny nose, even in healthy people.
Particulate matter can also aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases such as bronchitis. Even dust masks that you can buy at the hardware store can't really help. Those masks are designed to keep out large particles, like sawdust, not the small particles in smoke that could make you sick.
If you or your family have any of the following risks, you might want to avoid burning your debris:
- heart or lung disease including, asthma or emphysema
- older adults
- children
For information on how you can safely get rid of your debris left over from Hurricane Ike, see below:
Brazoria County - Temporary burning allowed for some residents. Call 979-864-1201 for more information.
Chambers County - There is a burn ban east of the Trinity River. There are collection plans and 7 collection stations for residents to drop off debris. Call 409-267-8295 for more information.
Fort Bend County – The County and several cities are partnering to provide special assistance for picking up bagged debris. Needville residents should bring bagged debris to the city barn at 13803 Highway 36. Missouri City has a site at Independence Park where you can drop off bagged debris in the dumpsters provided. Click here for more information.
Harris County - In unincorporated areas, please do not burn. Place the debris near the street and request debris removal from your area. Houston residents' debris will be picked up curbside. Call 311 for information.
Liberty County - The county will collect the debris at the curbside. For more information, contact Royce Wheeler of the Liberty County Constables office at 281-593-8418, or Dennis Odell of the Office of Emergency Management at 936-334-3219.
Matagorda County - Matagorda County is requesting that debris be placed into four separate piles as follows:
- Regular household trash
- Yard waste (trees, branches, limbs, leaves, etc.)
- Construction materials
- Household appliances
Place debris in the public right-of-way (the property between the street and a sidewalk, ditch, utility pole, or curb) for collection. Be careful not to block drainage, water meters, fire hydrants, or other above ground utility fixtures. For more information contact 979-323-0707.
Montgomery County - Place debris in the public right-of-way (the property between the street to a sidewalk, ditch, utility pole, or curb) for collection. Be careful not to block drainage, water meters, fire hydrants, or other above ground utility fixtures. Keep yard debris and fencing separate. For more information, call 877-237-7782.
