SALES of the most polluting fuels burnt in wood-burning stoves and open fires will be phased out from next year, the Government says.
Plans to stop house coal and wet wood have been confirmed to tackle tiny particle pollutants known as PM2.5 – which can penetrate deep into lungs and the blood and cause serious health problems.
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Around 2.5million UK homes have either wood-burning stoves or coal fires.
But these contribute three times as much pollution as road transport, the Environment Department said.
Sales of wet wood and house coal will be phased out from 2021 to 2023 in order to give householders and suppliers time to move to cleaner alternatives, such as dry wood and manufactured solid fuels.
These produce less smoke and pollution, and are cheaper and more efficient to burn, officials said.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Open fires and wood-burning stoves are at the heart of many homes but certain fuels mean they are also the biggest source of the most harmful pollutant.
“By moving towards the use of cleaner fuels such as dry wood we can all play a part in improving the health of millions of people.
“This is the latest step in delivering on the challenge we set ourselves in our world-leading clean air strategy.
“We will continue to be ambitious and innovative in tackling air pollution.”
Sales of all bagged traditional house coal will be phased out by February 2021, and the sale of loose coal direct to customers via approved coal merchants will end by February 2023.
Sales of wet wood in units of under two cubic metres will be restricted from sale from February 2021, to allow for existing stocks to be used up.
Wet wood sold in larger volumes will need to be sold with advice on how to dry it before burning from this date, the Government said.
Manufacturers of solid fuels will also need to show they have a very low sulphur content and only emit a small amount of smoke.
What is ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ wood?
Wet wood, which is also known as “green” or “unseasoned” wood is usually sold in nets. It is cheaper to buy, but contains moisture and when burned gives off more smoke and pollution than “dry” wood.
It is also harder to set alight, and difficult to burn.
Burning wet wood can also lead to a build-up of soot and sticky creosote inside of the burner.
Dry wood has usually been dried out in a kiln and has a moisture content of 20% or less.
If you are chopping your own wood to burn, it will need to be dried out for around a year in order to be classified as “dry”. Some types of wood, such as oak, will require longer.
Pieces of wet wood will make a dull thud when knocked together, while you can spot dry wood by looking for cracks, a dull colour and loose bark. The logs will also feel lighter.
Dry wood is not only better for the environment, but burning it gives off more heat – making it more efficient, while your stove will require less cleaning and maintenance.
