|
In an effort to reduce air pollution in areas of higher population contained within the Salem/Keizer Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), the Marion County Board of Commissioners has adopted a new ordinance which prohibits burning of yard debris within the UGB with a few exclusions and permitted exceptions.
The City of Salem adopted a similar ordinance in 1993, updated in 2006, that bans backyard burning within the city limits. The new county ordinance was adopted in December of 2008. You can learn more about the Marion County Backyard Burning Ban in the UGB, Ordinance No. 1279 by calling 503-588-5038, or on the web at www.co.marion.or.us/pw/es
Alternatives to Burning
Backyard Composting
Turn your yard waste into a valuable, rich soil amendment for your garden. Efficient, low cost composters are available year-round at Marion County Juvenile Department’s Fresh Start Market at 3020 Center St. NE, Salem. The County also sponsors a yearly truckload composter sale at multiple locations around the County the first Saturday in May. For more information about composters and how to compost, call 503-588-5169.
Curbside Yard Waste Pick-up
Curbside yard waste pick-up is included for all residents who subscribe to garbage services inside the UGB. The following items may be placed in the green roll cart; yard pruning’s, twigs and small sticks, leaves and pine needles, grass clippings and garden, fruit and vegetable scraps (no other food waste). Contact your garbage hauler for more details.
Transfer Station Drop-off
Large quantities of yard waste can be dropped off at both the Salem/Keizer and North Marion Recycling and Transfer stations. Call 503-588-5169 for hours and locations.
Illegal Burning Reporting
Illegal burning in Marion County should be reported by calling 503-373-4333. Please do not call 911 to report neighbors conducting backyard burning. Neither Marion County Fire District nor Turner Fire District will respond on burning complaints unless there is a significant danger of damage to life or property.
High-Risk Hostile/Threatening Fires
Please do call 911 for any hostile fire that is not attended and may threaten lives or property. We will continue to respond to any fire reported as hostile and out of control, or threatening lives or property. We will respond to any fires during the typical summer “no-burning” season as well. If you encounter an out of control or high risk fire that is of serious concern, please call 911.
Enforcement Authority for Illegal Backyard Burning
The fire districts do not have statutory authority to enforce regulations prohibiting backyard burning, with the exception of the summer "all burning ban" period that normally occurs.
Enforcement options may be pursued by calling:
Marion County Code Enforcement at 503-373-4333
Department of Environmental Quality at 503-378-5085 or 503-378-8240
Open Burning Rules (PDF)
Marion County UGB Burn Ban Brochure (PDF)
Marion County Burn Ban Ordinance (PDF)
Map of UGB Area (PDF)
Download this page (PDF) |
