You may require this approval if you intend to burn vegetation or other types of waste in the open or using an incinerator. Burning waste and vegetation in open fires and incinerators can cause smoke, which is a major cause of air pollutions. This approval is required to help manage the air pollution issues associated with burning.
Local Council areas in NSW have different rules regarding backyard burning. For instance, you may require approval from either the Council or the State Authority if you intend to undertake open air burning.
Schedule 8 of the Regulation lists what rules apply to which local Council area. You can find this as an attached document. Please note that:
- if you intend to burn vegetation to clear a bushfire hazard then you need a Bushfire Hazard Reduction Certificate instead of this approval
- you will also require a separate fire permit to light a fire during Bush Fire Danger periods
- you need to provide notification to the fire service and the owners of any neighbouring properties at least 24 hours prior to your planned burn.
Please consult the Council or State Authority for more information.