By starting a fire, you risk burning the wake and other nearby objects. If you want to burn the paper instead of destroying it any other way, make sure you don't endanger nearby buildings. To burn paper waste safely – and prevent the risk of self-harm and polluting the atmosphere – there are several methods that can be used. The important thing to note is to make sure you burn the paper in an enclosed area to prevent the fire from spreading.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Selecting an Outdoor Burning Area
Step 1. Check local laws and regulations before burning paper
Depending on where you live, it may be illegal to burn paper outdoors. In addition, your local community association may prohibit the burning of paper, even if it is not legally prohibited. Search online for local government contacts, then contact them by phone or email to find out if burning paper is illegal.
Contact the representatives of the civil society associations to find out if they prohibit their citizens from burning paper
Step 2. Use a metal or stone fireplace to burn paper safely
The fireplace is the safest place to start a fire. Stone fireplaces are usually built on dry ground, while metal or brick fireplaces are made higher so that the fire is 0.3 to 0.6 meters above the ground. A fireplace can hold burning paper while also allowing you to start a fire without damaging the grass or trees around it.
- If you don't have a fireplace, buy a metal or brick fireplace at your nearest home improvement store.
- A taller fireplace has a distinct advantage: because of its position above the ground, it will be easier for air to flow under the fire. This provides better ventilation, as well as makes the paper more flammable.
Step 3. Make a hole in the yard to prevent the flames from spreading
If you don't have access to a fireplace, the next option is to drill a hole. Use a shovel to dig at least 12 to 20 cm deep. Since soil doesn't burn, digging a hole can provide a safe space to burn paper without risking the fire spreading. After burning the paper and removing the ashes, cover the hole with soil.
Use a shovel or bare hands to clean grass, plants, and other combustible material around the hole. Clear all sides of the hole 0.6 meters away
Step 4. Purchase a paper-burning cage if you are concerned about safety
If you have extra cash and want to make sure the fire from burning the paper doesn't spread, use a fire cage. This tool is a ventilated iron city with a height of about 1 meter that functions to burn various types of materials. If you plan to burn paper regularly, buy a fire cage.
Look for a fire confinement at the nearest home or hardware store. This tool is usually priced around Rp. 1.5 million to Rp. 4 million
Step 5. Make a bonfire to burn a large amount of paper
If you need to burn multiple reams of paper, a large bonfire is the best solution. The intense heat from a large bonfire will burn paper faster than a fireplace or drum filled with fire. Make a bonfire at least 3 meters away from the nearest trees or grass to make sure the fire doesn't spread. Do not leave the fire until it is completely extinguished.
As a precaution, contact the fire department before starting a bonfire. Let the officer know the time and date you started the fire. That way, if the fire spreads, they can help you put it out
Step 6. Burn the paper on the barbecue grill if only a little
If you don't burn a lot of paper, you don't need to bother starting a big fire in the fireplace or pit (or making a campfire). If you have a barbecue grill, it can be a good source of heat. Put the charcoal in the bottom of the grill, then light it with liquid fuel. This method is ideal if the paper you want to burn is less than 20 sheets.
If the grill is removable, separate the grill surface. This way, you can burn the paper directly over the hot charcoal
Method 2 of 3: Lighting a Fire Outdoors
Step 1. Choose a damp, windless day to burn the paper outdoors
If you burn paper in windy weather, the smoldering pieces of paper can fly into the grass and surrounding trees. Check the weather forecast and burn paper outdoors when it's not windy. Also, it's a good idea to burn the paper when the air is damp so that the paper fragments don't start a fire if accidentally blown by the wind.
Make sure there is no risk of fire before burning the paper outdoors
Step 2. Have a fire extinguisher within 1.5 meters of the fire source
Even if you are only planning to burn a small amount of paper, you will need to have a fire extinguisher ready. Fires can lose control quickly. So, it is very important to have a fire extinguisher near you to extinguish it.
If you don't have a fire extinguisher, buy one at your nearest hardware store or home improvement store
Step 3. Clean the burning area of other combustible materials
Regardless of the location of the fire, it is very important to prevent the fire from spreading. For that, remove flammable objects within a radius of 3 meters from the source of the fire. This includes pieces of wood, trash cans, piles of firewood, cans of oil or gasoline, as well as anything that could catch a fire.
If you are worried the fire will spread. Try to make a barrier of sand around the burning area
Step 4. Light a fire with a few small pieces of wood before starting to burn the paper
Paper burns quickly so you will need to burn some wood before loading the paper. Lay out a wooden base, such as a pinecone or torn newspaper. Place a small twig on the base. Finally, put 3-4 pieces of medium-sized wood. Lean the logs against each other so they don't lie on the burning wood and get caught in the fire. After that, light the piece of wood with a match.
If the fire is difficult to ignite, you can spray a little lighter fluid on the bottom of the fire
Step 5. Put the paper in the fire 1 to 2 times at a time
If you load a stack of paper at once, the fire may be extinguished. Avoid this by gradually introducing the paper into the fire. After the first few sheets have burned, gradually add more sheets of paper. Wait for the paper to ignite and burn steadily before adding new paper.
If the fire is almost out, try to put 3 to 4 pieces of firewood in the fire to keep it burning
Step 6. Stay near the fire and watch the burning process
Once the paper has ignited, do not leave the burning area. A gust of wind can blow flakes of fire into the grass, animals can get into the fire, or children may try to pick up burning paper. Stay within 1.5 meters of a blazing fire to prevent accidents.
If you need to leave the burning area (eg to the bathroom), ask another adult to watch over the fire
Step 7. Remove the ashes from the combustion after the fire is extinguished
If you don't burn the paper in a container, there will be a build-up of ashes after the fire is out. Use a stick to poke around the fireplace to make sure there are no still burning embers. After that, don't just leave the ashes in the fireplace or burning drum. However, use a broom and dustpan to clean it. Pour the ashes into a trash can or composter.
If it's not an emergency, don't douse the fire with a bucket of water. This will turn the ash into sludge which cannot be disposed of
Method 3 of 3: Burning Paper Indoors
Step 1. Fill half of the tub with cold water
If you live in an urban area and don't have access to a fireplace or other outdoor burning facility, you may need to burn paper indoors. The best way to do this is in the tub. Install the stopper so that the water does not flow, then fill the water until it fills half of the tub.
Before burning paper, ensure that flammable materials are at least 1 to 1.5 meters from the tub. This includes towels, bathrobes, and bottles of shampoo or conditioner
Step 2. Burn 4-5 sheets of paper on the bath at a time
You can use a gas lighter or a wooden lighter to light it. Burn 4 to 5 sheets of paper at a time by lighting the corners with a match. When the paper burns, position the paper above the water. Thus, uncontrolled fire will fall into the water and be extinguished.
- Burning paper in the bathroom works best when you only want to burn a few sheets of paper. Otherwise, the smoke can set off a fire alarm in the home.
- Be careful not to burn your fingers when handling the burning paper over the tub.
Step 3. Discard any floating, unburned pieces of paper
Most likely not all parts of the paper will turn to ash. You may end up with small pieces of paper floating on the water. Take this paper by hand and put it in the trash instead of letting it run down the drain in the tub.
