In response to questions about the City of Lebanon’s stance on open burning, Mayor Stanley H. “Bud” Allen today outlined the policy.

“Because of the devastating ice storm in January, many of our residents still have small branches left in their yards, or ‘hangers’ that fall during high winds,” Mayor Allen noted. “We want our neighborhoods to be back to normal as soon as possible. That is why the City hired contractors, at tremendous expense, to haul off the bulk of the broken limbs. However, we know that limbs continue to fall, and we also know that it’s a hardship for some residents to load and deliver limbs to the City’s compost operation at 1401 W. Commercial.

“In order to help our residents, we will allow burning of grass clippings, leaves and twigs in safe containers, unless our Fire Department receives complaints from neighbors,” the Mayor said. “If neighbors complain, then the Fire Department will extinguish the fire.”

The Mayor noted that burning of garbage or trash is prohibited by City Ordinance. “We do not allow any burning of waste material that causes a bad odor,” Mayor Allen reminded. “If we receive complaints about burning of material besides yard waste, the Fire Department will extinguish the fire and alert the Police Department. Officers may write tickets against residents burning garbage.”

Mayor Allen said some cities have complete bans on burning, but he said he hopes Lebanon can maintain a less restrictive policy if neighbors will be considerate. The Mayor also reminded that yard waste is accepted, free of charge, at the City’s Public Works building, 1401 W. Commercial, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on the first Saturday of each month. Yard waste will be accepted this Saturday, June 2, at the Public Works building from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.