burn pit

[ burn pit ]

noun

1. an area used for the open-air burning of trash and/or brush:

   The county banned residential burn pits years ago, but every so often it’s obvious that someone’s burning a pile of twigs and leaves.

2. U.S. Military. an often expansive area, at or adjacent to a base of operations, used for the uncontrolled, open-air burning of military waste, including plastics, chemicals, rubber, paint, fuels, munitions, human and medical waste, metals, and electronics: generative of toxic smoke and fumes that have been associated with a number of short- and long-term ailments suffered by exposed military personnel and civilians.

Word History and Origins

Origin of burn pit¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Now, the law requires the VA to assume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit or other toxic exposure without the veterans having to prove the link.

From Seattle Times

The burn pit legislation passed both houses of Congress overwhelmingly, including opposition from just 11 Republican senators.

From New York Times

Biden said of McCain, then posed the same question about his son, Beau Biden, who, like McCain, died of brain cancer, which Biden believes his son contracted from military service near an Iraqi burn pit.

From Reuters

Between 2007 and 2020, fewer than a quarter of the claims submitted by veterans about conditions related to burn pit exposure were granted.

From New York Times

Before the law, about three-quarters of disability claims involving burn pit exposure were denied by the government.

From Seattle Times