Litter Free Dorset is calling for a ban on single-use BBQs and is urging Dorset businesses to stop selling them in favour of reusable options.
In 2023, Keep Britain Tidy partnered with Eunomia Research and Consulting to compile a report on the environmental impact of single-use barbecues, sky lanterns, and helium balloons. The full report can be accessed here: Eunomia Final Research Report.
Protecting Dorset’s Natural Spaces: Fires and BBQs PSPO
To safeguard Dorset’s precious heathland and forest areas, Dorset Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), effective from 1 July 2025. This order prohibits the lighting of fires, including campfires, disposable and portable BBQs, fireworks, and Chinese lanterns, across designated open land areas.
The PSPO was developed in response to increasing wildfire incidents—with 83 recorded in Dorset in 2025 alone—many of which were linked to disposable BBQs and campfires. These fires pose serious risks to public safety, wildlife, biodiversity, and property, and can devastate rare habitats like Dorset’s lowland heathland.
What this means for you:
This PSPO is part of a wider campaign supported by Dorset Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Forestry England, and local communities to prevent wildfires and promote responsible outdoor behaviour.
See the a map of BBQ-free areas here: No BBQ Map
Campaign to Remove Single-use BBQs from Sale
We regularly reach out to Dorset businesses to request they remove disposable BBQs from sale. If you would like to help spread the message, please share our letter with businesses you are aware of who stock single-use BBQs.
This letter is supported by Dorset Council and the Dorset Heaths.
Do you know of a store (not listed) that has chosen to remove disposable BBQs from sale? Email Litter Free Dorset to let us know.
Single-use BBQs….
They are packaged with:
Stories From Dorset
Wareham Fire Incident
In May 2020, a catastrophic fire erupted at Wareham Forest, persisting for over two weeks. This destructive blaze destroyed the equivalent of 350 football pitches of precious heathland, known for hosting rare birds, plants, and invertebrates. The scorched landscape faces a recovery period exceeding a decade, incurring a financial toll of over half a million pounds for the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service to combat. The suspected origin of the fire points to a disposable BBQ.
Beach Littering
Single use BBQs are not suitable for use in public spaces. The high heat output make them difficult to safely cool down for disposal. Consequently, individuals often resort to burying the BBQs in the sand and abandoning them on the beach. This not only harms the environment but also presents a significant danger to bare feet. There have been numerous incidents of people stepping on concealed barbecues, resulting in severe burns or cuts.
Alternatives to Single-use BBQs
Reusable Portable BBQs: Ideal for enjoying your favourite outdoor spots and can be used multiple times, saving money and reducing waste.
Home Grills: Safer and more environmentally friendly, using significantly less carbon compared to traditional coal barbecues.
BBQ Rental: Explore hire schemes available at various sites. Electric BBQs are provided free of charge on beach fronts in Bournemouth and Poole.
Litter Free Dorset Disposable Barbecue Recycle Event
In 2023, Litter Free Dorset collaborated with Southern Co-op and W&S Recycling to disassemble and recycle 8000 disposable barbecues. These barbecues were remnants from Southern Co-op, which decided to cease their sale following the destructive heathland fires of 2022. More than 60 volunteers participated in the event, repurposing 8000 barbecues and raising awareness of their environmental impact.
The plastic, paper and cardboard components were processed through household recycling, while the metal components were directed to the W&S scrap site. Additionally, six tonnes of charcoal briquettes were donated to Swanage Railway for use on the Swanage Steam Train.
While fireworks offer a stunning conclusion to events, it’s important to recognise their environmental impact. These dazzling displays not only leave behind plastic waste but also release chemicals that can contribute to air and water pollution. Additionally, the loud noises and bright lights from fireworks can cause distress to pets and wildlife, disrupting their habitats and routines.
Alternatives
The best way to enjoy fireworks whilst reducing their impacts is to attend a local organised display rather than hosting one at home. There are lots of amazing viewpoints around Dorset that you can watch a display from:
Event organisers can minimise environmental impacts by choosing eco fireworks that contain less harmful chemicals. You can also put on spectacular displays using drones, lasers and LED lighting.
We strongly support Keep Britain Tidy’s campaign calling for a ban on sky lanterns. Lanterns can ignite vegetation, leading to uncontrolled fires that not only endanger wildlife but also put human lives and property at risk. The lanterns’ debris can be ingested by animals, leading to injuries, digestive issues, and, in some cases, fatalities.
Alternatives
We know that sky lanterns are often released to celebrate joyful occasions such as weddings, or as a way to commemorate loved ones. We still want everyone to enjoy those special moments and we have created a list of alternatives you could consider instead:
Sky Lantern and Balloon Release Policy
By working in partnership with Dorset Council, we implemented a Sky Lantern and Balloon release policy.
This bans all balloon and lantern releases on Dorset Council land and leased land. It also covers events supported, financially or otherwise, by Dorset Council including those not on Council owned land. Through this policy, Dorset Council will also call for the restriction of sky lantern and balloon releases by other landowners across Dorset. It will also carry out public communications dissuading the release of sky lantern and balloon releases by Dorset residents, visitors, businesses, and organisations and promote sustainable alternatives.
BCP Council also have a ban on the release of sky lanterns and helium balloons on Council land. They also do not allow the release of balloons at any events licensed by BCP Council.
Below are the links to the Dorset Council page on their lantern and balloon release policies.
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