Q&A for How to Burn Paper Safely

As long as you follow safety procedures, such as using a fire pit and keeping a fire extinguisher on hand, it is generally okay to burn paper outside. However, avoid burning glossy or printed paper, such as magazines or giftwrap, since the inks used in this type of paper can release toxic fumes.

Many types of paper make good compost. Just avoid using glossy papers, such as magazine print, since these may contain toxic chemicals. If you don’t have a shredder, you’ll need to rip the paper up by hand or cut it up with scissors so it decomposes more easily. You can also turn paper into pulp by soaking it for 1-2 days in a bucket of water. When you’re done, throw it away or use it for compost.

Yes, but avoid colored or high-gloss paper (like magazines or wrapping paper) to avoid releasing noxious fumes. Stick to white printer paper or black-and-white newsprint. Just use a little paper at a time to avoid creating lots of flying embers.

Yes, as long as you do it the right way. That starts with choosing a safe burn site. Your best bet is to use a stone or metal fire pit. But if you don't have one, you can use a shovel to dig at least 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) into the ground. Since soil isn’t flammable, digging a hole will give you a safe space to burn paper without the risk of the flames spreading. Another viable option is to use a barbecue grill. If you have one, it'll provide all the heat you need. Layer charcoal in the bottom of the grill, and light it with a small amount of lighter fluid.

If you have a bunch of letters, use a stone or metal fire pit to burn them safely. Fire pits will contain the blazing papers and allow you to have a hot fire without endangering the surrounding trees or grasses. But if you don't have access to a fire pit, no problem. Try building a bonfire instead. The intense heat of a large bonfire will burn papers more quickly than a burn barrel or pit fire would. Build the fire at least 10 feet (3.0 m) way from any nearby trees or grasses to make sure the fire doesn’t spread. Stay next to the fire until it’s fully extinguished.

If you need to, you can safely burn papers indoors. But, you need to take a few precautions to do it right. Start by filling a bathtub about halfway full with cold water. Make sure there aren't any flammable materials near the tub as well. Ignite the papers 4–5 sheets at a time by lighting the edge or corner with a lit match. As the papers burn, hold them over the water. That way, if the flames get out of control, they’ll drop into the water and be extinguished. Once the papers have been burnt, there will probably be some small, charred pieces floating in the tub. Scoop these up with your hands and drop them into a trash can rather than letting them get pulled down the tub’s drain. That's all there is to it!