Environmental Health - Air Pollution

Council makes a positive impact on regional air quality by:

• promoting cleaner businesses and cleaner households
• providing and assisting improved transport options
• managing the impact of activities (where Council is the Appropriate Regulatory Authority) that cause air pollution. 

• Request a Service - Air Pollution

You can help reduce air pollution by...

Catching public transport or car pooling

A full bus carries about the same number of commuters as around 40 cars. If everyone caught the bus to work just once a week air pollution could be reduced by up to 20%. Car pooling with friends and colleagues can significantly reduce air pollution. It will also save you money on petrol, toll fees and parking and allows you to use transit lanes which can save you time getting to work.

Reducing short trips

Short trips cause more pollution than longer trips because your engine needs time to warm up to run efficiently. Next time you need to make a short trip try walking or riding a bike. Combining errands into a longer journey also cuts down on emissions, saves time and wear and tear on your vehicle.

Keeping your car well tuned

Badly tuned cars emit a lot of pollution, irrespective of age. Servicing your car regularly can keep harmful gases out of the air we breathe. It also ensures your car runs properly so you’ll use less petrol and save money too. Report a smoky vehicle.

Tuning your lawn mower

Non-petrol lawn mowers are environmentally friendly. However, if you own a 2-stroke or 4-stroke lawn mower ensure that it is serviced regularly to minimise emissions.

Choosing a gas barbecue

Natural gas and LPG barbecues burn cleaner than wood fired and coal barbecues.

Planting trees

Plant more native trees and plants in your garden to help absorb and filter air pollutants.

No backyard burning  

Open burning or burning in an incinerator is prohibited in Warringah under environmental laws because it pollutes the air. Exemptions are only allowed in special circumstances such as obtaining approval from Rural Fire Services. Report backyard burning to Council on 9942 2111.

Avoiding the use of wood fire heaters

Wood fire heaters are a major contributor to air pollution. If you have a wood fire heater and still choose to use it, make sure you operate your wood fire heater correctly and burn seasoned dry hardwood. More on woodfire heaters.

Contact Council

Request a Service - Air Pollution or call Compliance Services on 9942 2111.

Useful links

• Office of Environment and Heritage - air
• Office of Environment and Heritage - air quality index
• Office of Environment and Heritage - reporting smoky vehicles
• Warringah Council Environmental Information for Local Industry
• Warringah Council's Air Quality Guidelines for local industry
• Warringah Council's Compliance and Enforcement Policy

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