It’s Illegal in South Dakota to Burn These 11 Common Items

Got a pile of junk in the backyard and thinking, “Eh, just burn it”? Before you strike that match, South Dakota has some rules about what can...and absolutely should not...go into an outdoor fire.

State regulations specifically prohibit the open burning of several common waste materials.

Here are 11 things you should NOT toss into your backyard burn pile:

1. Waste oil: Used or contaminated oil is prohibited from open burning.
2. Rubber: That old pile of rubber isn't fire-pit fuel.
3. Waste tires: Burning tires can produce hazardous smoke.
4. Tarpaper: Keep roofing-related materials out of the burn pile.
5. Asphalt shingles: Those old shingles belong in proper disposal.
6. Railroad ties: Especially older treated ties.
7. Creosote-treated wood: Burning it can release harmful chemicals.
8. Pentachlorophenol-treated wood: Another prohibited treated wood.
9. Wood treated with inorganic arsenicals: Definitely not campfire material.
10. Plastic: South Dakota fire officials caution that plastic is among materials that should not be included in controlled burns.
11. Household garbage: Don't turn the backyard into your own personal garbage incinerator

.And there's another catch: local rules matter, too.

South Dakota law allows counties and municipalities to impose additional restrictions on open burning, and the State Fire Marshal can restrict or prohibit burning when conditions warrant.

So before lighting that backyard fire, check your local rules.

Because “I thought it would burn” isn't exactly a great defense when the fire department shows up.