Who regulates open burning?
The Illinois Pollution Control Board (Board) and the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA or Agency)
regulate open burning.
Pursuant to 415 ILCS 5/9(c):
No person shall cause or allow the open burning of refuse, conduct any salvage
operation by open burning, or cause or allow the burning of any refuse in any
chamber not specifically designed for the purpose and approved by the
Agency…except that the Board may adopt regulations permitting open burning
of refuse in certain cases.
Local (counties or municipalities, i.e., villages, towns, or
cities) authorities/ governments may also regulate open burning
in areas where they have jurisdiction.
State law or regulation does not override local prohibitions or limitations on
open burning. Local ordinances may be more restrictive and must be followed.
Local ordinances may require that additional permits be obtained.