The new rules regarding the burning of garden waste came into force in January this year. According to the rules, it is no longer allowed to burn the waste, but it must be composted or handed over to a recycling centre.
Sarita Hotti (S), chairman of the community planning committee in Eskilstuna, is critical of the changes.
– I don’t think these rules fit in Sweden, we are good as we already are, she says.
Want to remove the ban locally
Whether or not the ban is followed is controlled by the municipalities. And in Eskilstuna, plans are being made to revise the local waste regulations so that the new ban does not apply in the municipality. This would mean that there will be no difference from previous rules regarding fires.
How will it work until the regulations are in place?
– I think that the common man will continue to make fires on the weekends we are allowed to make fires, because people are not so aware of this. The fastest thing we can do is give exemptions before Walborg, among other things, says Sarita Hotti.
Municipalities may change rules
According to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, which works with guidance on the new rules, the municipalities can make their own assessment. It is simply okay to change the local rules – as long as the benefits of burning exceed the disadvantages.
What good do the new rules do if the municipalities can still decide for themselves?
– It is positive that it is made clear that the waste must be materially recycled in the first place, says Erika Nygren, head of the waste and chemicals unit at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Why does the municipality think it is important that the residents have a fire in their gardens? Hear municipal councilor Jari Puustinen (M) talk in the clip above.