Can You Legally Burn Your Garbage in Arizona?

I can tell Arizona's population is changing. In the last five years, people from all across the United States have realized what we always knew: the Grand Canyon State is a nice place to live.

You can't beat our weather in the dead of winter. Our politics are somewhat purple, so it's easy to find an ideology you can agree with. And as far as natural disasters go, we're lucky.

We don't have many earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes here. We get hints of all of those, but they don't create a swath of destruction like they do in other states.

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The Threat of Natural Disaster

We may not have the same natural threat level as other states, but we still contend with one natural disaster, and it can cause a catastrophe all on its own: wildfires.

I live in Cochise County, and in 2011, we experienced the Monument Fire. The fire began in the Huachuca Mountains and quickly whipped into a frenzy as dry, windy conditions created a fast-moving fire that firefighters battled for days.

Why Experts Worry Arizona Could See Dangerous Wildfires this Year

The Monument Fire and other large wildfires in Arizona have scarred more than our landscape; they remind us that even in Arizona, we also live under the threat of a major natural disaster.

Is it Illegal to Burn Trash in Arizona?

Many newcomers who have now settled in our state are unaware that burning anything outdoors can have serious consequences.

So, is it illegal to burn your trash in Arizona?

The short answer is yes, it is illegal to burn trash in Arizona under most circumstances.

When the fire danger is high, combined with gusty, windy conditions, a fire quickly spreads to dry, brittle material nearby, and it can get out of control quickly.

Yes, burning your trash in Arizona is illegal, so if you decide to burn anything, you should contact the fire department and get a burn permit first.

If you don't, violating the open burning rules can result in fines of up to $10,000 per day per violation.

Will Arizona Be the New California? Wildfire Prep Needed

There are a few exceptions, like agricultural burning, recreational fires, and ceremonial fires. Still, they also require a permit or notification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before burning.

How Do I Get a Permit?

There are two types of open burn permits: one for regular materials and one for dangerous materials. If you're not sure what type you need, check the AZDEQ website.

You can apply for an open burn permit online. To burn safely in Arizona, always check your local regulations and weather conditions.

Sources: ADEQ | Fry Fire District | Wikipedia: Monument Fire

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