TrashBurn

It is not OK to Burn trash in Sun City

By Kenny Kovac, Sun City Fire District, Fire Marshal

Residents of Sun City and Youngtown are reminded that burning household trash, yard waste, pallets, plastic or other waste in backyards or fire pits is strictly “illegal” under Maricopa County’s air quality laws. The rules are designed to protect public health by limiting smoke and toxic emissions in Maricopa County, where air quality concerns remain a priority.

According to the Maricopa County Air Quality Department, burning household waste and yard debris creates harmful air pollution and is prohibited throughout the county. That prohibition comes from Rule 314 of the county’s Air Pollution Control Regulations, which governs Outdoor Fires and Commercial/Institutional Solid Fuel Burning. Rule 314 applies to any open outdoor fire and bans the burning of materials such as trash, green waste, furniture, plastics and other refuse that can emit particulate matter and other dangerous contaminants when burned.

Rule 314 prohibits:

  • Burning household trash
  • Burning yard waste such as leaves, tree trimmings or brush
  • Burn permits are NOT issued in Sun City or Youngtown

All residents who would like to have a warming fire must call ahead on the day of the burn to ensure conditions are safe and that no restrictions (like a “No Burn Day”) are in effect.  You can call 602-506-6400 or download the “Clean Air Mobile App” to check for burn restrictions.

Maricopa County Ordinance P-26 places further limits on residential burning practices. Originally adopted in 1994 and updated periodically, Ordinance P-26 focuses on Residential Burning Restrictions — especially regulating woodburning devices, outdoor fireplaces, chimineas and fire pits in areas designated as “Area A,” which covers large portions of the county including Sun City and Youngtown.

Under Ordinance P-26:

  • Only approved woodburning devices may be used outside of restricted periods.
  • Burning solid fuels in outdoor fire pits, chimineas or recreational fires is restricted, and prohibited materials may never be burned in these devices.
  • During “restricted or NO burn periods”, declared based on air quality forecasts, no burning of solid fuel devices is allowed without specific exemptions.

The law also details enforcement and penalties. Violators of Rule 314 may face minimum fines starting around $200 for unauthorized outdoor fires, while penalties under Ordinance P-26 for improper residential burning can range from warnings to several hundred dollars depending on the number and severity of violations.

Local and County officials urge residents to use waste collection services or composting for organic yard waste instead of burning, and to consult the Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s online resources for guidance of “No Burn Days” before planning any outdoor fire.

Connect with the Sun City Fire & Medical Department at www.scfmd.az.gov.