While shops in Swanage haven’t sold disposable barbecues for several years due to the fire risk, many major retailers in Dorset like Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons continue to sell them, even ignoring national guidelines to withdraw them from sale when there is a heightened wildfire risk.
Now Dorset Council and Litter Free Dorset is urging all retailers who still sell disposable barbecues to suspend sales during extreme heat, in line with guidelines from the British Retail Consortium.
A year after a wildfire in Studland, believed to have been started by a campfire or barbecue, the ground had not recovered
Significant damage to wildlife habitats
The appeal follows increasing concerns about the risk of fires being started by barbecues that are improperly used, discarded while still hot, or placed on flammable ground such as grass, heathland or woodland, especially during the recent heatwave.
Litter Free Dorset says that even a single spark or lingering ember can cause significant damage to wildlife habitats, threaten nearby properties, and put lives at risk.
With the recent period of extreme heat and another on the way, it says it is crucial that this risk is reduced wherever possible.
Studland beaches are protected by public space protection orders which ban barbecues and wild camping
Liable to fines
The use of barbecues or fires is banned by most landowners across Purbeck and there are public space protection orders in place for Studland beaches, and Purbeck’s woods and heathland which means that anyone using a disposable barbecue or similar, is liable to be fined.
Disposable barbecues are also considered unsustainable single use items which can’t be easily recycled, which is why their general use is discouraged.
While they are sometimes perceived as a cheap option, a basic reusable barbecue with legs and a bag of charcoal can work out to be more cost efficient.
Retailers have traditionally put disposable barbecues in their entrance as a marketing ploy to boost sales of burgers, sausages and rolls.
After a campaign by residents, the Co-op and Budgens in Swanage removed single use barbecues from sale. Lidl and Aldi say they have not sold single use barbecues for several years in any of their stores.
Many don’t realise the damage disposable barbecues can do until it is too late
“Help prevent devastating fires”
Councillor Nick Ireland, Dorset Council Leader, said:
“Dorset is home to some of the country’s most treasured landscapes and wildlife habitats. During periods of extreme heat, the risk of wildfire increases significantly, and we all have a role to play in reducing that risk.”
“We are asking those retailers who still choose to sell disposable barbecues to do so responsibly by following the British Retail Consortium’s voluntary guidelines and temporarily pausing sales when conditions are particularly dangerous.
“This simple action could help prevent devastating fires and protect Dorset’s environment, residents and visitors.”
The Southern Co-op removed all its stock of disposable barbecues from its shelves in 2023
New updated information for retailers
The British Retail Consortium has set out new updated voluntary guidelines for retailers:
- Monitor weather conditions and local fire risk warnings
- Suspend sales of disposable barbecues during periods of extreme heat or elevated wildfire risk
- Display fire safety messaging and guidance for customers
- Work with local authorities and land managers to promote responsible behaviour
Litter Free Dorset coordinator Emma Teasdale was delighted when the Southern Co-op permanently removed disposable barbecues from its stores and would now like other supermarkets to follow suit
“Simply asking them to follow the voluntary guidelines”
Emma Teasdale, Litter Free Dorset coordinator, said:
“In places like Swanage and Purbeck, we’re really pleased to see retailers acting responsibly and not selling single use disposable barbecues, partly due to pressure from local customers.
“However, sadly, this is not the case across Dorset, where some major supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Asda still sell these products, which are environmentally unfriendly and a fire risk.
“Major retailers assure us that they follow the British Retail Consortium guidelines, but in June we saw amber and red extreme heat warnings issued by the Met Office, and retailers continued to sell disposable barbecues that are clearly a fire risk. We are simply asking them to follow the voluntary guidelines they have already agreed to.
“With the Fire Severity Index at Very High across much of Dorset – and further heat warnings being issued for the coming days – this is no more than what we should expect from responsible retailers.
“By working together, retailers, residents and visitors can help reduce fire risk and ensure everyone enjoys Dorset’s beautiful outdoor spaces safely.”
Further information
- British Retail Consortium voluntary guidelines on selling disposable barbecues
