As of 1st May 2023 retailers are no longer allowed to sell traditional house coal in England for use in domestic properties, with the aim to cut harmful pollution to human health.
This is a move by the government as part of their Air Quality Strategy and to meet requirements in The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 (legislation.gov.uk). This affects all properties, not just those in smoke controlled areas.
You can still use the supplies you have, but you will no longer be able to purchase more*. There are several alternative fuels, such as modified solid fuel (MSF), that have been verified as ‘smokeless’ and certified for use. These MSFs can be used in current appliances and claim to be more energy efficient, less polluting and more cost effective compared to traditional coal.
Your supplier should be able to provide further information on what is available and there is an extensive list of approved MSFs which can be found here Fuels – Defra, UK.
You can also look for the governments ‘Ready To Burn’ certification mark. The scheme can help to find the cleanest fuels for burning at home; to learn more about the certification mark please visit Consumers – Ready To Burn
Coal suppliers and retailers can continue to sell:
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- anthracite coal
- semi-anthracite coal
- low volatile steam coal
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As these smokeless coals release little to no smoke and have fewer volatile materials and so are less polluting. Whilst the cost of smokeless coal is often higher, the fuels tend to burn longer and hotter in comparison.
The sale of wet wood (in small volumes of 2m3 or under) has also been banned; with the requirement to use only wood with a moisture content of 20% or less, meaning kiln dried or well-seasoned wood with the ‘Ready To Burn’ certification. Again, using wood with a lower moisture content is proven to reduce the levels of emissions in the air we breathe.
*The only exception is in the Forest of Dean, where coal can continue to be extracted and sold locally.
