Open Burning Alternatives: Best Practices Guide for Managing Agricultural Wastes in Metro Vancouver

(2021)

The Best Practices Guide was developed to aid in the reduction of air emissions from open air burning by providing clear alternatives for producers disposing of agricultural vegetative waste materials specifically within the context of Metro Vancouver. The Guide was developed with a combination of a literature review of relevant BMP materials as well as current and innovative practices in waste disposal, and interviews with subject matter experts.

The Guide is a user-friendly document which presents the challenges with open air burning disposal, followed by an overview of BMPs including step-by-step instructions, including chipping, grinding, shredding and mowing. Beneficial re-use of vegetative debris is also profiled through composting, off farm sales and mulching, including the regulations which impact these practices.