Kyiv residents reminded about ban on burning fallen leaves

In Kyiv, residents were reminded of the ban on burning fallen leaves and plant debris. Such actions pollute the air, harm people’s health and the environment, and can also cause fires. Fines for violations can reach 12,24 thousand hryvnias.

KV learned this from a notification by the Kyiv City State Administration (Kyiv City Civil Service).

The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the Kyiv City State Administration explained that when leaves burn, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter enter the air. The smoke from incomplete combustion of plant matter may also contain benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including carcinogenic compounds.

Of particular danger are fine particulate matter PM2,5, which penetrate deeply into the lungs. Smoke irritates the eyes and respiratory tract, can worsen symptoms of asthma and other respiratory diseases. The most vulnerable are children, older people, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

If plastic or other household waste is burned together with leaves, additional dangerous substances can enter the air, including dioxins, furans, and heavy metals.

Burning plant residues also harms green spaces: fire can damage the roots of trees and shrubs and destroy microorganisms living in the leaf litter. In dry and windy weather, flames can quickly spread to grass, trees, and buildings.

As an alternative, the city authorities recommend composting. Healthy fallen leaves can be placed in a composter or a specially prepared pile. To accelerate decomposition, it is advised to shred the leaves, maintain moderate moisture, and periodically turn them. Plastic, glass, metal, and other inorganic rubbish should not be added to compost. Finished compost helps improve soil structure and enrich it with organic matter.

“Autumn cleanup should be safe for people and the environment. Burning leaves pollutes the air we breathe ourselves and that our neighbors breathe. Instead, composting allows you to use plant residues for soil benefit. We urge Kyiv residents to choose responsible ways of caring for their territories and not burn fallen leaves,” emphasized the director of the Department, Pavlo Ivanov.

For unauthorized burning of vegetation and its residues in cases provided by article 77-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine, citizens face a fine from 3 060 to 6 120 hryvnias. If the violation occurs on the territories and facilities of the natural reserve fund, the fine ranges from 6 120 to 12 240 hryvnias.

If people witness leaf burning, they are advised to report it to the police at number 102. In case of a fire, call rescuers at number 101. If possible and safe, the violation can be documented in a photo or video, providing the exact location of the incident.