Delaware’s Open Burning Ban Returns: What You Need to Know for Summer 2025

Starting May 1 and lasting through September 30, Delaware’s annual Open Burning Ban—also known as Ozone Season—is officially in effect. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is reminding residents that the warmer months bring higher risks for poor air quality, and that means stricter rules on outdoor burning.

What the Ban Covers

The ban applies to most forms of outdoor burning across the state, including:

• Burning brush, branches, and yard debris

• Agricultural and prescribed burns

• Any burning of leaves, grass, or trash

• Illegal materials like tires, construction waste, paper, plastic, furniture, and mattresses

These activities release harmful pollutants into the air, especially particulate matter and chemicals that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone—a major air quality concern during hot, sunny months.

“The burning ban is critical for continuing to improve our air quality,” said Gerald Mood, Environmental Scientist with DNREC’s Division of Air Quality. “As summer temperatures rise, and as we get longer daylight hours, the conditions which allow for the formation of ground-level ozone become more prevalent.”

What’s Still Allowed?

While the ban is broad, some outdoor fires are still permitted, including:

• Cooking fires (like grills and fire pits)

• Recreational campfires

• Ceremonial bonfires

However, even these exceptions can be restricted. If an Air Quality Action Day is declared or the State Fire Marshal issues a more stringent ban due to fire risk, those fires could also be prohibited.

Why It Matters

Ozone pollution doesn’t just hurt the environment—it affects your health. Ground-level ozone can trigger asthma, respiratory issues, and other serious health conditions, especially in children, the elderly, and people with preexisting conditions.

What to Do With Yard Waste Instead

Delawareans don’t have to burn to get rid of their yard waste. DNREC recommends these alternatives:

• Use curbside pickup or drop-off yard waste sites. Find your local site at de.gov/yardwaste.

• Chop, chip, or shred limbs and turn them into mulch for landscaping.

• Start a compost pile. It’s great for gardens and reduces landfill waste. Learn how at de.gov/composting.

Report Illegal Burning

If you witness someone violating the open burning ban, you can call the DNREC Environmental Hotline at 800-662-8802.

Want to learn more?
Visit DNREC’s official page on open burning at de.gov/openburning for full details.