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In 2001, the 120th Maine Legislature enacted a law ( 12 MRSA, Sections 9324 and 9325) that bans the outdoor burning of trash. This means that as of September 21, 2001, the burning of trash in campfires, outdoor fireplaces and any type of open or closed container, such as burn barrels or unlicensed incinerator, is against the law. This ban also applies to the burning of construction and demolition debris containing plastics (vinyl), rubber, styrofoam, metal, food wastes and chemicals.

The amount of PVC plastics in household trash and the incomplete combustion and low temperatures characteristic of burn barrels, result in the formation of dioxins and furans. A recent study of dioxin air emissions in Maine revealed that back yard burning was responsible for more than 25% of the dioxins released to Maine air. It is, in fact, the number one source of dioxin air emissions in the state.

A 1997 legislative study (State of Maine 1997 Backyard Trash Burning Study, Executive Summary), (State of Maine 1997 Backyard Trash Burning Study Full Report) by the Departments of Conservation and Environmental Protection documented the use of more than 8,500 backyard burn barrels across rural Maine. That study also identified the health effects of dioxin emissions from backyard burn barrels. In addition to aggravating respiratory diseases and suppressing the immune system, exposure to toxic smoke from burn barrels can lead to chronic diseases such as emphysema and cancer, as well as cause reproductive and developmental disorders. The human and environmental effects of toxic air pollutants (including dioxin) are a cause for serious concern.

First, look for less polluting alternatives to PVC plastics (#3), with this label:

Look for food, cosmetics and household products in containers made from glass, paper or recyclable plastics that have one of these 'plastics recycling labels':

Look for boxes of food wrap that identify the product as polyethylene (#4) film wrap rather than PVC plastic film wrap. Substitute HDPE or PP products for PVC toys (dolls, pools, beach balls), electronics (computers, phones), vinyl tubing, fabrics, etc. Buy natural wall coverings and linoleum flooring instead of vinyl treatments and choose nylon or HDPE shower curtains rather than a PVC product. Reuse, redeem, return, refill and recycle as many products as possible. It's a better alternative than sending them to the municipal waste incinerator. Let retailers know you prefer to buy containers that are reusable or recyclable. More information on recycling is available from Maine's Waste Management & Recycling Program.

Local fire chiefs in your town.

District forest fire rangers with the Maine Forest Service
(1-800-750-9777).