Thinking of burning rubbish you find hard to get rid of? Before you do, read this

In recent times the burning of rubbish and waste, including plastics, has become a troubling issue globally. Each year around 1 billion tonnes of waste worldwide are disposed in unregulated open dumps which are often set alight, accounting for more than 40% of the world’s garbage disposal. The UK, including Tollesbury, contributes to that figure.

It may seem like a quick and easy way of getting rid of unwanted material, but the consequences are far-reaching and affect every one of us.

Burning Plastic: Bad for the climate and our health

Plastic is primarily made from oil and gas, meaning that burning it is essentially burning fossil fuels. It releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.  For every tonne of dense plastic burned, more than two tonnes of CO₂ are released.

But burning plastic and other waste materials, including treated wood used in construction and gardens, doesn’t just harm the environment it directly impacts our health and is illegal. The process releases a cocktail of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and fine particles into the air. Some of the most dangerous emissions from burning plastic are dioxins, which are highly toxic and linked to cancer, immune system damage and hormonal disruption.

In our own village, burning this type of waste means that these pollutants are released directly into the air we breathe, settling on our soil, plants, and water. Even if you don’t see the flames or smell the smoke, the long-term health risks remain present.

Despite the dangers, waste burning is often overlooked in climate action plans.

A Better Way Forward

The good news is that there are alternatives. Proper waste management, such as recycling, composting, and reducing plastic use, is much better for the climate and us.

Tollesbury Climate Partnership is actively campaigning to reduce waste by providing recycling points around the village. If you need advice on how and where to dispose of your waste, you can contact them or the Love Essex team at Essex County Council for guidance.

If you see wastes such as plastics, tyres, treated wood, mattresses, and similar being burnt, or about to be burnt in Tollesbury report it to the relevant authorities – Maldon District Council or the Environment Agency. By working together, we can raise awareness and push for real change. Let’s protect our air, our health, and our environment by saying no to burning waste in Tollesbury.

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This article was published in the May 2025 edition of Tollesbury Parish Magazine