Never Burn These 10 Things In Your Firepit
There’s nothing like gathering around a firepit on a crisp fall evening. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or just enjoying some time outside with friends, it’s pure fall comfort. But not everything that you might think you can burn is safe to toss in. Some items can release toxic fumes, damage your firepit, or cause problems you never could have expected. If you want to enjoy your backyard fires without harming your health or the environment, here are 10 things you should never burn.
Trash (Yes, Even Paper Plates)
Burning trash might feel like an easy cleanup shortcut, but it’s one of the worst things you can do in a firepit. Plastics, foam containers, glossy paper, and even certain napkins can give off dangerous fumes. And if the wind gets strong, ashes or burning bits can float into your neighbor’s yard, spreading burning garbage around. Garbage fires never belong in your backyard. Bag your trash up and toss it the right way.
Leaves and Green Yard Waste
Dry leaves burn fast and furious, often leading to flying embers and messy smoke. Green yard waste, like freshly cut branches or grass clippings, burns unevenly and produces a ton of smoke. Leaves and yard waste don’t add much burning power to your fire either, and both can get out of hand quickly. Composting these materials is usually a better way to go. Save your firepit for firewood, not fall cleanup.
Driftwood
Driftwood may look like the perfect dry wood to burn, especially if you’ve collected it on a beach trip. But when it burns, it can release a chemical called dioxin, especially if it's salty from being in and around the sea. Dioxins are bad news. They’re harmful to breathe in and not something you want to have in your yard. Save your driftwood for decorating instead. Your lungs and your guests will thank you.
Plastic of Any Kind
This one feels obvious, but it still happens more often than you’d think. Burning plastic, whether it's a wrapper, bottle, or bag, sends harmful toxins like dioxins and furans into the air. And that burning plastic smell? It’s not just stinky, it’s also dangerous. It sticks to your clothes, your furniture cushions, and your lungs. So remember, no piece of plastic belongs in a fire. Toss it in the recycling bin, not the pit.
Magazines and Glossy Paper
Old magazines might seem like perfect kindling, but the shiny coating on their pages is often made with chemicals and petroleum-based inks. When you burn them, those chemicals are released into the smoke. Other papers with this coating also include gift wrap, catalogs, and even certain junk mail. If it glistens in the light, skip the firepit and recycle it instead.
Rubber and Tires
Hopefully this goes without saying, but burning rubber or tires is seriously dangerous. Not only does it smell awful, but it also produces thick, black smoke that’s full of toxic pollutants. It’s also illegal in many places for that very reason. The cloud of smoke from burning rubber can travel too, so everyone will know you’re breaking the law. Keep tires out of the firepit and call a proper disposal service to get rid of them instead.
Painted or Treated Wood
It might seem harmless to toss in old fence boards or scrap lumber, but if that wood has been painted, stained, or pressure-treated, it can release toxic chemicals when it burns. Many older coatings contain lead or heavy metals and even newer treated wood is full of preservatives you don’t want to breathe into your lungs. Stick with seasoned, untreated hardwoods instead. If you’re not sure where that wood came from, don’t risk it. It’s a very unpleasant and dangerous risk to take.
Accelerants Like Gasoline or Lighter Fluid
Getting a fire started can take patience, especially on damp days, but never reach for gasoline or lighter fluid to help. These accelerants can cause flare-ups of fire that are difficult to control and are a major fire hazard. Even just a splash of some gasoline can create a massive fireball. Stick with kindling, dry wood, and maybe a firestarter log. Putting in a little extra work is worth it to avoid having to make an emergency call.
Plywood or Particle Board
Plywood and particle board are made with adhesives and glues that release harmful fumes when burned. These engineered woods are commonly found in furniture and shelving, but they’re no good for your fire. You might not see the toxins, but if you’re anywhere near the fire, you’ll definitely breathe them in. Always check your wood pile to make sure there’s no plywood, as not many people know it can be toxic. As a rule, if it's manufactured and not solid hardwood, it doesn't belong in the flames.
Clothing or Fabric
It might be tempting to toss in an old t-shirt or a worn-out towel to keep the fire burning, but most fabrics are treated with dyes, resins, or synthetic materials that turn toxic when burned. Polyester, in particular, melts and gives off dangerous fumes because it’s made of plastic. Even cotton blends aren't always safe because you don’t know what the blend is made from. Cut up old t-shirts and use them as rags or donate what you can, just don’t throw them in the fire. Your s’mores won’t taste the same when cooked in toxic smoke.
A Safer, Cleaner Fire Makes for a Better Night
When it comes to backyard firepits, a little extra care goes a long way. Knowing what not to burn doesn’t just protect your health, it protects the health of your family, your neighbors, and even the environment. Stick to dry, seasoned firewood and use natural kindling. Your fire will burn longer, smell better, and be a lot more enjoyable. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any nasty surprises in the smoke. A safe fire is always the best fire.