Burning off

In residential areas a 'Permit to Burn' may be required before burning off or incinerating household and garden waste. Different rules apply for rural areas, agriculture and food production. There are also periods when burning off cannot be permitted, such as during much of the Fire Danger Period each year.

check the Fire Danger Period here >

In towns

Under our Local Law, fines apply to those in residential areas who burn off or incinerate waste without a required permit. Even very small towns are likely to be residential zones. This is for fire safety and protects public health, especially for people with breathing difficulties like asthma.

  • contact our Compliance team before lodging an application (Phone: 03 5461 0610 during business hours)
  • allow at least five business days before burning for the permit application to be processed
  • a fee of $30 applies on application (2025-2026 financial year)
  • Download and fill in the application, then return to Council via emailor in person at Council's Customer Service Centre, 22 Nolan St, Maryborough.

Download Application >(PDF, 298KB)

Out of town

Outside of town boundaries there are different rules which apply to burning off or incinerating waste. There are also times and conditions within Fire Danger Periods when a Permit to Burn may be issued, subject to conditions.

These are assessed by the CFA, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria, through their dedicated website Fire Permits Victoria.

visit Fire Permits Vic >

 

Unsure if your property is located within a residential area? 

 Your rates notice will tell you whether you are located in a residential, rural or farming zone.  You can also check your planning zone on our interactive map:

launch interactive map >

Alternatively, you can call Customer Service on 03 5461 0610 to check.

 

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL 

Alternatively, you can reduce your fuel load and dispose of waste by: