Backyard burning with climate change effects

Is Your Backyard Burning Harming the Planet? The Hidden Climate Impact of Household Waste

Lena Voss in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 3 min read.

"Uncontrolled burning of solid waste by households in developing countries like Mexico significantly contributes to climate change. Learn how this common practice impacts air quality and global emissions."

Solid waste disposal is a global challenge, with billions lacking access to proper municipal services. In many developing nations, burning household waste becomes the default solution, but this seemingly simple act has far-reaching consequences for the environment and public health.

Open burning is a form of low-temperature combustion that releases dangerous pollutants, especially black carbon. Black carbon not only pollutes the air but also accelerates climate change, making it crucial to understand the scale and impact of this practice.

While the contribution of landfills to methane emissions is well-documented, the role of household waste burning in black carbon emissions is often overlooked. A groundbreaking study conducted in Mexico sheds light on this issue, revealing some eye-opening data about the impact of waste burning on climate and health.

The Shocking Scale of Waste Burning in Mexico

Backyard burning with climate change effects

A study focused on Huejutla, Mexico, investigated household waste management practices. Researchers conducted surveys, interviewed waste operators, and analyzed waste composition to understand how much waste was burned and why.

The results were startling. In rural communities with limited waste collection services, a staggering 92% of households burned their waste in backyards or unofficial dumps. Overall, about 24% of the total municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the municipality was disposed of through uncontrolled burning.

Rural Areas: 92% of households burn waste due to lack of collection services.
Urban/Peri-Urban Areas: Approximately 2% of waste is burned, despite collection services being available.
Overall Impact: 24% of the municipality's total waste is burned.

Even in urban areas with twice-weekly waste collections, a small percentage of households still resorted to burning. This suggests that simply providing waste collection services isn't enough to eliminate the practice; deeply ingrained habits and a lack of awareness also play a role.

Turning Awareness into Action

The study underscores the urgent need to include black carbon emissions from uncontrolled waste burning in international greenhouse gas inventories. It also highlights the importance of assessing the health impacts on local communities in developing countries, as unchecked waste burning can lead to significant respiratory issues and other health problems. By addressing this issue, we can create healthier and more sustainable communities for everyone.

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Everything You Need To Know

What does 'uncontrolled burning of solid waste' mean, and why is it a problem?

Uncontrolled burning of solid waste refers to the practice of openly burning household waste, often in backyards or informal dumps, without any pollution control measures. This is prevalent in developing countries due to lack of access to proper waste management services. This practice releases harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to both air pollution and climate change.

What is 'black carbon,' and why are its emissions significant for the climate?

Black carbon is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, especially from sources like burning household waste. It is a potent climate forcer with significant implications because it absorbs sunlight and heats the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. When deposited on snow and ice, it reduces their reflectivity, further contributing to melting. Reducing black carbon emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change.

What is 'municipal solid waste,' and why is its management important?

Municipal solid waste (MSW) refers to the waste generated by households, businesses, and institutions within a municipality. The significance of managing MSW properly is highlighted by the consequences in areas such as Huejutla, Mexico. When not collected and properly disposed of through methods like recycling, composting, or controlled incineration, it often ends up being burned, leading to black carbon emissions and health issues.

What did the study in Huejutla, Mexico, find out about waste burning practices?

The study in Huejutla, Mexico, revealed that a significant portion of municipal solid waste is burned due to the lack of waste collection services, particularly in rural areas where 92% of households burn their waste. Even in urban areas with collection services, some burning still occurs. This illustrates that simply providing waste collection isn't enough; changing ingrained habits and increasing awareness are necessary to eliminate this practice.

Why is it important to include 'black carbon emissions' from waste burning in greenhouse gas inventories?

Integrating black carbon emissions from uncontrolled waste burning into international greenhouse gas inventories is important because it provides a more accurate picture of a country's total climate impact. Overlooking this source of emissions can lead to underestimating the contributions of developing countries to climate change and can hinder the development of effective mitigation strategies. Additionally, assessing the health impacts on local communities can highlight the respiratory issues associated with unchecked waste burning, leading to community engagement.