can you burn them in your garden?

What do we call green waste?

When we talk about green waste, we are talking about the different waste of plant origin, whether dry or wet, that we can generate when we dedicate ourselves to garden maintenance. Here are some of the elements covered by this term:

• branches of trees and shrubs generated by pruning;
• cut grass from mowing your lawn;
• the dead leaves that fall from the trees throughout the seasons;
• waste generated by clearing;
• faded flowers;
• vegetable garden plants at the end of the season.

To this non-exhaustive list of green waste, you can also add fruits and vegetables, whether it is their peelings, or the fruits and vegetables themselves which are no longer edible.

Is it allowed to burn green waste?

Before, many people got rid of their green waste by burning it. But that was before! Indeed, faced with the increase in green waste, around 160 kg per person in France, and environmental problems, the Government has taken measures: Law number 2020-105 of February 10, 2020 which amended the Environmental Code and the Circular of November 18, 2011 both prohibit the burning of green waste.

This provision applies indoors and outdoors, for individuals, businesses and communities. Likewise, it is prohibited from using an incinerator just as it is prohibited from renting, lending or selling a garden incinerator. In addition to these national provisions, prefectural provisions can be added, because each Prefect is authorized to issue orders to further regulate the burning of plant waste.

Why is it prohibited to burn green waste?

Several reasons are behind such strict regulations on the burning of green waste:

1. Fire risks : This practice was indeed the cause of numerous unintentional fires.
2. The ecological impact of burning green waste: We must not forget that when burning, plant waste releases fine particles, but also carbon oxides, carbon monoxide, etc. which aggravate the greenhouse effect. To convince you, know that ADEME carried out a study which revealed that if you burn the equivalent of 50 kg of green waste, this is equivalent to a 14,000 km journey in a new gasoline car.
3. Health impact : If emissions from burning green waste are bad for the environment, they are also bad for our health.
4. Risks of neighborhood disturbances : Obviously, if you burn green waste, your close neighbors also benefit from the smell and fumes, which can cause disputes.

What are the risks if we burn plant waste?

In the event of non-compliance with this prohibition, be aware that the amount of the fine that may be imposed on you can reach €450. Furthermore, if you witness a violation of this prohibition, you can report to your town hall. Likewise, if you are tired of not being able to enjoy your garden every time your neighbor burns his green waste and you have not obtained any change in behavior by discussing with him, you can initiate proceedings for disturbance of the garden. neighborhood.

If the risks incurred in the event of burning green waste are significant, do not forget that the “wild” dumping of waste is also strictly prohibited and that you are then exposed to a fine of €1,500.

Is it possible to obtain an exemption?

In certain special cases, it is possible to benefit from an exemption. Granted by the prefect, it allows you to be authorized to burn green waste in very specific cases:

• if your municipality does not have a recycling center;
• if your municipality has not set up a selective waste collection system;
• if clearing your garden is required by your city to prevent risks linked to forest fires;
• if your municipality is affected by a plan to combat the spread of invasive plants, bacteria or parasites.

What to do with your green waste?

To allow you to get rid of your waste without having to burn it, alternatives exist. The choice of solution will depend on the quantity of plants you want to get rid of.

1. If your town hall offers a selective collection system, All you have to do is put your green waste in the bags dedicated to this purpose.
2. It is also possible to go to recycling center to deposit your plant waste in the space dedicated to this purpose. Remember to check the opening hours of the recycling center you are responsible for and to bring proof of address; you may be asked to do so when you arrive.
3. You can simply place your green waste in your composter.
4. You can also use a part in mulch, for example, dead leaves. Likewise, at the end of the season, you can cut the vegetable garden plants into small pieces and leave them on the plot. They will decompose over the winter.