Log burners in the UK: Environmental impact and regulations explained

• A third of Brits support a ban on log burners, with younger people and men showing the most support
• Log burners contribute significantly to air pollution, with harmful particles linked to health risks
• Edinburgh leads in opposition, with 45% of residents in favour of a ban, compared to just 21% in Norwich
• Current UK regulations include Smoke Control Areas (SCAs), where only approved appliances and fuels are allowed
• Violating SCA rules can lead to fines, especially with stricter enforcement under the Environment Act 2021
• To comply, use Defra-approved burners and fuels, and check local rules to avoid penalties

In the UK, the rules and regulations around using a wood burner can be complex and vary depending on several factors, including your location, the type of fuel used and specific local authority rules.

A survey has revealed that one-third of Brits (33%) support a ban on the installation and use of log burners in the UK, citing concerns over their negative impact on the environment and public health.

The data, gathered by MyBuilder.com, a platform for hiring tradespeople, indicates a slight gender difference, with 35% of men favouring a ban compared to 31% of women.

Currently, there are approximately 1.5 million log burners in UK homes. Wood burners and solid fuel appliances significantly contribute to air pollution, primarily through the emission of particulate matter (PM), particularly during the winter months.

PMs are small particles made up of a variety of materials, some of which can be toxic, and some of which can enter the bloodstream and be transported around the body with serious impact on health.

Wood burning is a major source of fine particulate matter, and domestic wood burning accounts for a significant proportion of emissions, sometimes even more than road traffic in certain areas.

But what are the existing rules and regulations around log burners, and what fines or punishments could you face if you break them? Here is everything you need to know.

What are the rules?

In the UK, the rules and regulations around using a wood burner can be complex and vary depending on several factors, including your location, the type of fuel used and specific local authority rules.

The Clean Air Act 1993 established Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) where only approved appliances and fuels can be used.

In SCAs, only Defra-exempt appliances (approved by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) are allowed. These appliances are designed to produce fewer smoke emissions and must be used with authorised fuels.

It is illegal to emit a substantial amount of smoke from a chimney in a Smoke Control Area, unless using an exempt appliance with approved fuel.

Local authorities have the power to designate SCAs and enforce specific rules within their jurisdiction. The Environment Act 2021 gave local authorities more power to issue fines for excessive smoke emissions from wood burners and other solid fuel appliances.

What fuels are allowed?

Certain fuels are banned in SCAs, including:

• Bituminous coal (house coal)
• Unseasoned wood (wood that hasn’t been properly dried)
• Certain manufactured solid fuels that are not approved by Defra

If you wish to use a wood burner or solid fuel appliance, ensure your wood burner is Defra-exempt and use only authorised fuels.

If you plan to use wood, use dry, well-seasoned wood with a moisture content of less than 20%, and maintain your appliance and chimney regularly to ensure efficient burning and minimal smoke.

Do I live in an SCA?

SCAs are more common in urban areas, which generally have stricter regulations due to higher population density and air quality concerns.

Rural areas typically have more relaxed regulations, but they may still have SCAs, especially near protected natural areas or where air quality issues have been identified.

London has extensive SCAs and stringent regulations to combat air pollution, while other major cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow also have numerous SCAs and enforce strict compliance.

Always verify with your local council whether your area is a Smoke Control Area and what specific rules apply.

What are the penalties?

As mentioned, local authorities like councils have the authority to designate Smoke Control Areas and enforce specific regulations within their jurisdictions, and the Environment Act 2021 further empowered authorities to impose fines for excessive smoke emissions.

Depending on your local authority, fines may be issued for violations, and may increase for repeat offenders. Persistent non-compliance could also lead to prosecution and potentially more severe penalties.

Check with your local council to determine if your area is a Smoke Control Area and to understand the specific rules that apply.

I don’t live in an SCA, can I do what I please?

If you are not in a Smoke Control Area, the rules are generally less stringent, but there are still regulations and best practices to follow.

Even outside SCAs, the Clean Air Act 1993 prohibits emitting dark smoke from chimneys. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 also addresses statutory nuisances, including smoke that causes a nuisance to neighbours.

If your wood burning creates excessive smoke and causes a nuisance, you can be subject to enforcement action.

Outside SCAs, it is still advisable to use Defra-approved appliances and fuels to minimise emissions and comply with broader air quality regulations.

Some local authorities may also have additional guidelines or incentives for reducing air pollution from domestic heating, even outside SCAs.

What do you think about the growing call for stricter regulations on log burners? Should they be banned altogether, or is there a better way to balance home heating with environmental concerns? Share your views in the comments.