Burning Leaves in Kyiv: Why It’s Dangerous and What Fines Apply

In Kyiv, authorities reminded residents that burning fallen leaves and plant debris is prohibited. Such actions pollute the air, harm people’s health and the environment, and can also cause fires. Violations are punishable by fines of up to 12,24 thousand UAH. This was reported by “Glavcom” with reference to the Kyiv City State Administration (Kyiv City State Administration).

The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the Kyiv City State Administration explained that burning leaves releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter into the air. Smoke from incomplete combustion of plant material can also contain benzene, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, some of which are carcinogenic compounds.

Particularly dangerous are fine particulate matter PM2,5, which penetrate deep into the lungs. Smoke irritates the eyes and airways and can worsen asthma symptoms and other respiratory diseases. The most vulnerable are children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses.

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

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

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

“Autumn cleanup must be safe for people and the environment. By burning leaves, we pollute the air we breathe ourselves and that our neighbors breathe. Composting, on the other hand, allows plant residues to be used beneficially for the soil. We urge Kyiv residents to choose responsible ways to care for their areas and not to burn fallen leaves,” said Pavlo Ivanov, director of the Department.

For unauthorized burning of vegetation and its residues in cases provided for by Article 77–1 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, citizens face fines from 3 060 to 6 120 hryvnias. If the violation occurs on territories and objects of the nature 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 102. In case of a fire, they should call rescuers at 101. If possible and safe, violations can be recorded on photo or video, providing the exact location of the incident.

Reminder: an eight-year-old boy on the bank of a river in Zakarpattia region was burned while burning household waste. The child was caught in the center of a sudden flare-up and suffered severe thermal injuries. Doctors diagnosed second-degree thermal burns covering almost half of the body surface. The affected areas included the face in the cheek and chin area, both arms including hands and forearms, and the lower limbs – the buttocks and both shins.

Incidentally, Boyarka community plans to change tariffs for household waste removal. For residents, the fee is proposed to be set at 117,92 hryvnias per person per month. Currently, the municipal enterprise “Hromada” is collecting residents’ comments and suggestions. If the new tariffs are approved, the cost of services for the population will be 117,92 UAH per person per month. The base tariff for mixed household waste will be 340,97 UAH per cubic meter. For other consumer categories, the price of a branded bag will be 60 UAH.