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Illinois Open Burning Rules (2026)

Conditional: Open burning is generally prohibited except landscape waste burned on the premises where produced.

ConditionalVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Open burning is generally prohibited except landscape waste burned on the premises where produced. It is banned within any municipality (or within 1 mile of one) of 1,000+ population; garbage, tires and demolition debris may never be burned. Local ordinances may be stricter.

Official source: epa.illinois.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Burning Rules in states bordering Illinois

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IndianaConditional
Burning trash is illegal; open burning is generally prohibited except exempt activities. Residential burning of clean wood/leaves/brush is allowed in most counties but banned in Clark, Floyd, Lake and Porter. Land clearing/prescribed burns need IDEM prior approval.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
IowaConditional
Open burning is prohibited except listed exemptions: landscape waste originating on the premises may be burned unless barred by local ordinance. Exemptions are unavailable in certain cities (e.g., Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs); Polk and Linn counties require permits.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: iowadnr.gov · Full Iowa rule →
KentuckyConditional
During Forest Fire Hazard Seasons (Feb 15–Apr 30 and Oct 1–Dec 15) it is illegal to burn within 150 ft of woodland/brushland from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Only natural plant matter may be burned; no state permit, but local rules apply.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: eec.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MissouriConditional
No statewide permit, but state rule allows burning only of yard/vegetative waste and household refuse (4 units or fewer) that originates and is burned on the same property; trade/demolition waste, tires and trash are prohibited. Local governments may add stricter rules or burn bans.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
WisconsinRestricted
In DNR fire-protection areas a (free) annual burning permit is required to burn legal materials whenever the ground is not fully snow-covered; permits are activated daily only if conditions allow. Daily burning hours and size limits vary; many materials may not be burned at all.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →

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