Can you burn green waste (plants) in your garden (leaves, branches, ...)?

These are mainly the following:

• Grass after lawn mowing
• Dead leaves
• Hedge trimming residues, shrubs, trees
• Fruit and vegetable peels.

It is possible to use your green waste in compost or mulching, because they are biodegradable, i.e. they decompose over time.

It is also possible to deposit your green waste in accordance with the rules set up by your municipality (waste disposal or separate collection).

What solutions to make good use of green waste?

Ecological Transition Agency (Ademe)

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However, it is prohibited to burn your green waste (dry or wet), whether in the open air or with a garden incinerator. Burning green waste, especially if it is wet, releases substances that are toxic to humans and the environment (especially fine particles) and can cause fires.

Of exemptions may exist in your municipality if there is no waste disposal site or separate collection of green waste.

To find out how green waste is treated in your municipality or if a derogation applies, contact your town hall.

On the other hand, the prefect may exceptionally issue a individual derogation to eradicate epiphysis (disease of certain plants) or the elimination of invasive plant species.

In addition, the prefect may grant derogations from the prohibition by prefectural decree, after consulting the departmental council for the environment and health risks (Coderst) and under certain conditions.

If you think you may be affected by one of these situations, ask the prefecture.

You can alert hygiene services of the town hall in case of non-compliance with the ban on burning green waste.

The City Council will be able to take the necessary measures to stop this illegal practice.

The person who burns green waste may have to pay a fine from €750. This fine also applies to the person who makes available or sells an incinerator to dispose of green waste.