From the top 2025 revised prohibition provisions incineration of green waste on recreational plots and home gardens. The change is due to the request to reduce emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere and to improve air quality. In practice, this means that burning of leaves, branches, mowed grass or weeds is now not only inappropriate, but besides severely punished.
It is primarily liable for the enforcement of the fresh rules Municipal Guardwho has gained the power to impose fines on those who breach the prohibition. According to the available data, officers carry out increased inspections both in urban areas and in parcel garden areas.
Punishments for breaking the ban – what threatens the plotters?
Under current regulations, a punishment of up to PLN 500. In cases of persistent violation or refusal of a mandate, a case may be referred to a court where financial penalties are much higher and may scope even PLN 5 000.
Importantly, mandates may be imposed not only on land owners but besides on users who temporarily manage the site. Municipal Guard announces that the control actions will be carried out mainly during the spring and autumn periods, erstwhile the incineration of plant waste has so far been most commonly practiced.
Why was there a ban?
The ban on the incineration of green waste primarily has a dimension environmental and health. During the combustion of plant residues at low temperatures, harmful substances specified as benzo(a)pyrene, nitrogen oxides and particulate substance suspended PM10 and PM2.5 which are peculiarly dangerous to human health.
According to reports of the Main Inspectorate of Environmental Protection, local burning of organic waste is 1 of the crucial sources of air contamination in Poland. This problem is peculiarly apparent during the autumn-winter period, erstwhile atmospheric conditions are conducive to the persistence of smog in the lower parts of the atmosphere.
Experts point out that the prohibition is 1 of many steps to reduce contamination emissions and improve the quality of life in cities and municipalities.
Alternative management of green waste
Landowners, alternatively of burning waste, should usage available methods of organic disposal. The most popular solutions include:
- Composting – creating natural fertilizer from plant waste.
- Transfer of waste to selective collection points (PSZOK) – most municipalities organize the reception of biowaste.
- Export order to companies specializing in the disposal of green waste.
In many municipalities there are besides support programmes for parcels, which include, among others, subsidies for the acquisition of composters.
Social reactions and first controversy
The prohibition was met with mixed social reactions. any land and garden owners realize the request to defend the environment and have already utilized ecological waste disposal methods. However, there is no shortage of critical voices, indicating additional costs and insufficient municipal infrastructure to receive large quantities of green waste.
In consequence to the local population's comments, any local governments are announcing an increase in the number of mobile reception points and peculiar seasonal collections.
The introduction of the ban on the incineration of green waste is part of a broader strategy to combat smog and improve air quality in Poland. In the following years, further tightening of environmental government and expanding support schemes for those investing in green solutions can be expected.
Experts stress that the effectiveness of the fresh regulations will depend both on the effectiveness of the Urban Guard's control activities and on the level of awareness of the community.
More here:
New ban on the burning of green waste on plots – threatening parking tickets from the City Guard
