Spring is approaching: it is high time to start taking care of your garden. But don’t do anything! Many people use this practice, however illegal and sanctioned by a fine of 750 euros.
Spring is fast approaching, announcing the long -awaited renewal. Gardening enthusiasts are delighted! After a long winter, it is time to take care of his garden to help him flourish under the first rays of the sun. It starts with a good size of plants and shrubs, essential for their vigor and aesthetics. A hedge a little too invasive or that exceeds in neighbors? A dryer, and voila!
But what to do with plant waste? Branches, dead leaves, cut grass: quickly, the bags accumulate. And sometimes, the ways to get rid of it are missing. The recycling centers are not always open at the right hours, and not everyone has a composting system. So some gardeners let themselves be tempted by a simple and practical solution, which will delight the pyromaniacs: burn their green waste on site, in a corner of the garden.
This little outbreak between two flowerbeds is often seen as harmless, but it nevertheless has heavy consequences, both ecologically and legal. Because this practice, in addition to being harmful to the environment and health, is sanctioned by law.
According to ADEME, burn in the open air of plant waste releases many pollutants, including fine particles, carbon monoxide or even polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, some being carcinogenic. These fumes participate in the degradation of air quality, in the same way as road traffic. This is particularly problematic during the dry period or in the event of a pollution alert. In addition, the smoke released represents significant discomfort for the neighborhood, especially in urban or peri -urban areas, where homes are often close.
Also, the law is formal on this subject: the free burning of green waste (lawn mowing, dead leaves, hedge sizes, cut branches, etc.) is strictly prohibited throughout French territory, whether directly to the ground or using a garden incinerator. This rule applies to both individuals and professionals.
Failure to comply with this prohibition can lead to a fine of up to 750 euros, in accordance with article 131-13 of the penal code. A sanction that many ignore, wrongly thinking that outside of urban areas or in their private garden, they can do what they want. According to ADEME, nearly 830,000 tonnes of green waste is still burned each year in France.
There are some exceptions, but they are very supervised: some rural municipalities can grant temporary derogations, in the absence of a collection or recycling center on the municipal territory, health risks or in areas infested by parasites. But these cases remain rare, and the authorization must be formal, often taken by prefectural or municipal decree.
However, there are many alternatives: deposit in recycling center, grinding, mulching, composting, etc. Some communities even offer collection or equipment loan services. So many more environmentally friendly and perfectly legal solutions. Also, before cracking a match in the bottom of the garden, it is better to think twice. A simple little fire could be expensive – to your wallet and the planet.