TALLADEGA COUNTY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s regularly scheduled open burn ban started May 1. The department lists Baldwin, DeKalb, Etowah, Jefferson, Lawrence, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Russell, Shelby and Talladega as the 12 counties included in the open burn ban which runs through October 31.
According to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, “The ban is in effect each year for the warmer months to combat the formation of ground-level ozone and the generation of fine particulate matter.”
Residents are prohibited from burning things such as wood, tree trimmings, brush, and debris. Alternatives are to take vegetation to a permitted landfill or to allow the vegetation to decompose naturally.
Also, in lieu of open burning, the department suggests composting yard waste and using leaves, straw, and grass clippings for mulch. In addition to providing air quality benefits, utilizing mulch in flower beds and gardens will also support efforts to conserve water resources.
