What You Can't Legally Burn In North Dakota

Burning Garbage

Do you have a burn pile or burn pit at your residence? This is a very common practice in rural areas. I know we have an old metal garbage can we can use as a burn barrel at my lake place. Sometimes it's more convenient to burn certain garbage items than to make a trip to the landfill, but HOLD ON.

Did you know you can't just burn anything in North Dakota? Not only is it unlawful to burn certain items, but it could land you with a steep fine and maybe even jail time. Let's take a look at what is strictly forbidden to burn in North Dakota.

Banned Burn Items in North Dakota

This is according to the North Dakota Department of Enviornmental Qaulity.

pile of vehicle tire lot — Photo by David Edelstein on Unsplash

1. Rubber Products (including tires)

We've all seen the rural fires with huge plumes of pitch-black smoke. It's a good bet they are burning some rubber material when you see this, and it's illegal.

trash lot close-up photography — Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash

2. Plastics

This goes for plastic bags and all different sorts of common household items.

A close up of a train track with rocks — Photo by Matthew Mentley on Unsplash

3. Treated Wood Products

Old railroad ties, any wood that has been varnished, or even wood that has been waterproofed.

a close up of a building made out of cement — Photo by Jenny Hentschke on Unsplash

4. Tar Paper

Commonly used as a protective underlayment beneath roof shingles and siding.

Damaged asphalt shingle roof with missing shingles — Photo by blue soda on Unsplash

5. Asphalt Shingles

Commonly used shingles on many homes.

A teal excavator dumping soil into a yellow dump truck at a construction site — Photo by Troy Mortier on Unsplash

6. Trade Waste

Materials coming from commercial, industrial, or construction operations.

The common theme for not being able to burn these items in North Dakota is that they all give off toxic fumes bad for the environment when lit.

Penalties for Violating

Violating an open burning restriction or an active county burn ban is a Class B Misdemeanor and falls under the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC 37-17.1-10.1). This carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Also, how many times have you seen somebody toss a lit cigarette from a vehicle? This is also considered illegal dumping and carries an automatic $500 citation. You have been warned.