From May 1 through Sept. 30 no open burning, commercial or residential, will be allowed in Hamilton County.
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau said the burning restrictions are proven methods of controlling air quality and encourage residents and companies to seek out alternatives to burning, like chipping, composting and recycling.
Restriction of open burning is one of the main control measures implemented as part of the Chattanooga Area Early Action Compact (EAC). Restricting open burning will decrease summer-time pollution by at least four tons per day, said officials.
Open burning includes fire use for the disposal of trees, brush or other natural vegetation from on-site land clearing projects. The use of burn barrels is also prohibited.
Anyone who burns during the ban could be assessed a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per day.
Recreational fires will be allowed in Hamilton County. A recreational fire is a cooking fire or campfire, using charcoal or firewood that occurs in designated areas or on private property for cooking, pleasure, or ceremonial purposes. Ceremonial fires in the city of Chattanooga must have a permit from the Chattanooga Fire Department, (423) 697-1450. Call a week in advance.
The burning of garbage, trash, treated lumber, paper and cardboard is not legal at any time.
Brush will be picked up at the curb monthly in City of Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Red Bank and Signal Mountain.
The Wood Recycling Center is located at 3925 N. Hawthorne St. and is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. - noon, except for the second Saturday of the month.
The City Landfill is located at 9327 Birchwood Pike in Harrison. It is open Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. - noon.