Yes, OK, I mean, apart from logs. We live in the sticks, we are demon recyclers, composters etc, but I have a couple of questions and wonder if anyone has done the thinking-through on this.
Is it OK for us to burn things like:
- old clothes that are not good enough for the charity shop (holey outgrown socks etc);
- plastic wrapping that would otherwise go in the bin;
- chicken carcases etc.
Just thinking, why should we not get the benefit of the energy these things have stored in them? Please enlighten me!
youngermother1
Sun 29-Jan-12 16:25:33
Have to be careful about pollution - burning plastics (and some artificial fibres) give off toxic smoke.
natural materials/food should be ok, but would be surprised if chicken carcasses are that flammable.
Carcass sounds fine to me, any foodstuff.
Paper, although I now avoid the very shiny waxy things (like cereal boxes), and plain brown cardboard (parcel tape removed).
You can burn 100% natural materials, like cotton/hemp/linen (these can also be composted.) I think maybe Ramie too (bamboo?, but check online).
Problem is that the seams may have polyester threads, which is unsuitable, and some fabrics are coated lightly with petrochemical based material (like DWRs).
Friends put plastic in their Rayburn (I've seen that a lot in rural Ireland, too) but I'd be afraid of gumming things up, as well as airborne pollution. Better to send to Council incinerators.
I have tried burning used guinea pig bedding and kitty litter (wood-based, solids removed!); it burns poorly & makes the room stink of wee. So not to be recommended 
I already have enough of that rank household odour from DSs.
sorry, I wrote that badly, didn't I? Meant that I do burn plain cardboard + plain paper, but avoid shiny stuff.
why not get one of those gadgets that make paper logs?
plastic isn't great, do you know if your stove has a catalytic convertor [usually on wood burners rather than multifuel options] as this will gum it up and will render the stove useless.
I used to make my own firestarters along the same lines as the paper logs, using paper/cardboard etc, make starting the fire a little easier. Soggy up the paper and carboard and then squish and let dry out. Kids love helping out with this.
Fabric, it would depend on the type, cotton and more natural fibres would be a good firestarter, but wouldn't put any acrylic/mixes in. TBH I but my ruined clothes in the recycling bin as they use it for many purposes, including soundproofing.
Bones etc were traditionally burned, but it's more down to the smell as it can be a little unpleasant. They also don't burn away completely either.
Peanut & pistachio husks don't burn that well, they always seem to be left in the ash at the end of the day.
My ashes go on the compost heap so I prefer things that aren't harmful as it all goes back into the garden.
