Single-use disposable barbecues, lanterns and balloons

Following on from a public consultation, a proposal was discussed at the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee on 15 March 2022 to introduce measures that will help us tackle these issues. 

From the overwhelming support received, and concerns raised, from the public regarding environmental risks, safety and increased littering in these areas, as of 1 July 2022 we're introducing the use of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle the problems caused.

The use of single-use, disposable barbecues and the release of lanterns and balloons outdoors present a number of environmental issues for the city and pose a real risk to wildlife and nature. 

Public feedback 

Feedback from the consultation told us that 79% of respondents agreed that single-use, disposable barbecues should not be permitted in or on council-owned parks, open-spaces or the seafront.   

More than 80% also agreed that single-use, disposable barbecues cause issues for people, the environment and the council. 

Stand alone, non-disposable barbecues will still be allowed on certain beaches and in parks and open spaces, as they are now. 

Issues caused 

Single use, disposable barbecues cause a number of problems in parks and open spaces, including: 

• posing a dangerous fire risk when in use and if not disposed of correctly  
• presenting a risk of injury to people and animals 
• if not set up correctly, they can scorch and damage the environment around them 
• when not disposed of it means the taxpayer has to pay for the tidy up 

Residents also asked us to take action on balloons and sky lanterns, after reports of people letting them off in public spaces. 

Lanterns and balloons are also problematic for the environment and council because: 

• both return to the ground as litter and can be ingested by animals, birds and marine wildlife, causing risk of death, injury and entrapment  
• they’re impossible to dispose of in a safe way as the owner has no way of finding it, once released   
• for lanterns, there is no way of ensuring it is extinguished before reaching the ground and can therefore cause a fire. 

How will enforcement work? 

The introduction of PSPOs will come in to affect from 1 July 2022 to stop the use of single-use, disposable barbecues and the release of lanterns and balloons in or on council-owned parks, open spaces and the seafront.  

If an Environmental Enforcement Officer witnesses someone not complying with the PSPO, they can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice. They will also be able to extinguish or seize the article causing the offence.   

Stand alone, non-disposable barbecues can continue to be used on certain beaches, parks and open spaces as per arrangements already in place. 

Councillor Jamie Lloyd, member of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “Single-use, disposable barbecues are often used in our public spaces and not disposed of properly.  

“If left, they can cause serious injuries to children, adults and wildlife.  They can also cause fires at the waste depot, as we have seen in recent years.  

“The introduction of PSPOs will help us eliminate the use of single-use, disposable barbecues and lanterns, ensuring that we are doing all we can to protect people and wildlife in our parks, open spaces and on the seafront, minimising the risk of both injury and fire.” 

Read the full Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee report on tackling disposable BBQs and lanterns (agenda item 95)