Residents in Gedling borough gearing up for Bonfire Night are being warned that a simple mistake could leave them £50,000 out of pocket.
A warning has been issued by the Environment Agency as many across the borough build their bonfires in preparation for the annual celebration.
The Agency is asking people in the borough to be careful about what is being burned and to keep it secure before burning.
They say the burning of most type of waste is illegal as it causes pollution which can harm your own health as well as your family, friends and neighbours.
Burning waste can carry a fine of up to £50,000.
The Agency said only clean, non-commercial waste should be burned like paper, untreated wood and cardboard.
Sam Pickard of the Environment Agency said: “Bonfires are not to be used for a seasonal clear-out of your rubbish. It is not an excuse to get rid of difficult to dispose of rubbish by burning it yourself or asking others to do it for you.
“We want to encourage people to make sure they dispose of their waste legally and safely at their recycling centre or through their doorstep collections.
“And if you are responsible for a bonfire, when you are doing your checks for wildlife also look to see if anyone has added rubbish to your bonfire.”
Community safety councillor Philip Hackett said: “While bonfires may be a traditional part of the festivities around this time of year they can pose significant risks and impact on our climate.
“We recommend people attend an organised event instead of having their own bonfires but if they decide to light their own fires they should make safety a priority and not burn any hazardous materials. Recycling is a much more environmentally friendly way of disposing of unwanted wood and other materials.”
Anyone seeing suspicious activities should contact the Environment Agency on 0800 807060 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
