Is It Illegal to Burn Cardboard? Complete Guide

It’s not a big deal — since it’s paper, isn’t it? A lot of people believe that using cardboard to burn in their fire pit at the backyard or burn barrels is a great method of getting rid of boxes. However, under U.S. environmental and fire safety regulations, burning cardboard is usually prohibited or severely restricted.

Although it may not be to be as hazardous as burning plastics and rubber products, smoke that comes from cardboard fires can still release pollution and could cause violations to state or local Clean air regulations. This is a comprehensive look at the federal, state and local laws are regarding burning cardboard and alternatives to burning it.

Federal Law: The EPA’s Position on Burning Cardboard

On a federal scale at the federal level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates air pollution in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA). While the EPA does not have one rule that states “you cannot burn cardboard,” it does ban the open combustion of waste materials, which emits harmful smoke or emission.

Under 40 CFR SS 49.131 (General Open Burning Rule):

Burning openly is forbidden in the case of materials that generate dense smoke, harmful fumes, or airborne pollutant.
The EPA defines “solid waste” broadly -including papers and cardboard from business or household households.
The only exceptions are for natural, clean and untreated substances such as brush, yard waste or firewood.

In simple phrases: burning cardboard outdoors or inside barrels is not legally permitted unless your region has a program that allows for small-scale burning in monitored conditions.

Even when permitted even when permitted, even when permitted, EPA strongly opposes burning in backyards regardless of the type due to the release of fine particles (PM2.5) which can be harmful to the respiratory health of people.

State and Local Laws: Often Stricter Than Federal Rules

Every U.S. state sets its own open burning rules and the majority of states prohibit burning paper and cardboard completely. Here are some examples:

California: The California Air Resources Board prohibits burning cardboard or paper waste, unless permitted in certain agricultural activities.
Texas: Under 30 TAC SS111.201, burning cardboard is not permitted unless are burning it in conjunction with others “natural” materials for disposal on your own propertyand even then it is not allowed to include coatings, ink or tape made of plastic.
New York: The open burning of cardboard, paper and garbage is prohibited across the state even in rural regions. Only clean and hygienic wood can be burned with the approval of local authorities.
Florida: The Florida Administrative Code prohibits burning of household waste, which includes cardboard, paper, as well as packaging materials.
Ohio as well as Illinois: Both restrict open burning to yard waste only. Cardboard is considered to be refuse and therefore cannot be legally burned.

In addition to these statutes, local ordinances could be more stringent. A lot of counties and cities have to obtain permission to burn or they may also impose “no-burn days” or ban open burning entirely in dry months because of the risk of wildfires.

Penalties for Burning Cardboard

Burning cardboard in violation of the law could result in criminal and civil punishments according to the nature of the act and its intent. The most common consequences are:

Fines typically range from $500-$10,000 per offense.
Cleaning or cost of fire suppression when authorities need to act.
Crimes against the law for indefinite or deliberate infractions, particularly during air quality advisory or burning bans.
Liability for civil liability in the event that your fire spreads or damages property belonging to someone else.

A lot of states consider open burning as environmental violations that can remain on your records and could affect the eligibility of your permit.

Why It’s Illegal (and Unsafe)

It may appear basic however modern packaging isn’t always “pure paper.” Most boxes are made up of:

Dyes, inks and pigments to print logos or text
Coatings and adhesives to improve strength and moisture resistance
Wax or plastic layers inside shipping boxes

When they are ignited, these materials releases VOCs, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide as well as particles of fine size which create air pollution and pose health risks.

Smoke from cardboard fires could cause irritation to the lungs as well as trigger asthma. They also pollute the air around it — that’s why the government discourages even small backyard fires.

FAQs: Burning Cardboard in the U.S.

Q1. Can I cook cardboard in my fire pit for my backyard?

It is usually typically, not. The majority of states prohibit burning household waste or cardboard outside. Even if it isn’t explicitly prohibited the act could violate local air quality laws.

Q2. Are there any exceptions for small or rural homes?

Some rural counties allow for limited open burning, with permits, however, this is usually restricted to yard waste and not to cardboard.

Q3. What happens if I make use of cardboard as a fire starter in the wood stove or fireplace?

A small amount of untreated, plain cardboard can be used to ignite fires inside within properly vented fireplaces or wood stovesHowever, large quantities of cardboard are not to be used for burning.

Q4. What happens if I am found burning cardboard in violation of the law?

You may be subject to penalties, fines, or even a sanction by your state’s environmental department or your local fire department.

Q5. What is the best method to dispose of cardboard in a legal way?

Recycle it! Many municipalities have curbside recycling or drop-off locations which accept clean cardboard to be processed.

Bottom Line

Burning cardboard may seem innocent however, in the majority areas of U.S., it’s prohibited or severely restricted. The fumes and substances released can pose serious dangers for health as well as the natural environment. In lieu of burning them, reuse your containers or reuse the boxes- it’s healthier, more secure and completely legal.