Burning trash harms air quality in Northwest Washington

Our quality of life in Northwest Washington is closely related to our air quality. We can all help protect our air in some way, and not burning garbage is one of those ways.

Burning garbage is illegal throughout Washington state. State law prohibits the outdoor burning of solid waste, including all household garbage and trash.

But it still happens on a regular basis in the Northwest Clean Air Agency’s jurisdiction (Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties). Through the first 10 months of 2025, NWCAA compliance staff responded to at least 16 instances of burning prohibited materials. One such incident resulted in a $1,100 penalty and other penalties are likely to be issued.

So, the message is clear – don’t burn garbage.

That seems like a simple concept. But over the years, NWCAA staff have come across all kinds of oddities beyond burning household trash – including people burning old hot tubs, derelict boats, and old motorhomes.

Key facts about illegal garbage burning in Washington:

Burn barrels are illegal. The use of burn barrels has been prohibited statewide since 1976 because they create toxic, unhealthy smoke that damages air quality and people’s health.
Prohibited materials include paper, cardboard, plastics, construction debris, treated wood, petroleum products, plastics, rubber, metal, dead animals, asphalt, and other items that release toxins or odors when burned.
Penalties can include fines of hundreds of dollars or more. Evidence of burned garbage is often sufficient for a penalty to be issued.
Recreational and yard waste burning is restricted. Outdoor burning of natural vegetation and firewood is sometimes allowed, but only in designated areas and during certain times of the year. Permits are often required for these types of fires, and burning is generally banned in cities and urban growth areas. Check with local fire officials or with NWCAA if you’re unsure of where you can burn legally.

What to do instead of burning garbage: