Despite repeated warnings, burning fallen leaves during seasonal yard clean-ups remains a widespread and harmful practice across Georgia, the Environmental Supervision Department of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture says.
Officials stress that smoke from burning leaves contains toxic substances that not only pollute the air and damage the environment but also pose serious health risks — particularly to children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions.
In response, the Environmental Supervision Department has intensified monitoring and control measures during the autumn months, calling on citizens to refrain from burning garden waste and instead manage it in accordance with the law.
Under Article 35 of Georgia’s Waste Management Code, the open burning of non-hazardous municipal waste — including leaves, garden and park waste, or household refuse — or burning such waste in non-designated furnaces is a violation punishable by a fine of 500 GEL.
“Reducing environmental pollution is one of our key priorities,” the department noted, emphasizing that inspectors conduct 24-hour patrols nationwide to prevent and respond to environmental offenses.
In addition to field patrols, the ministry’s hotline (153) operates around the clock to receive citizen reports, ensuring immediate response to any illegal burning or pollution incidents.
Authorities remind residents that leaf burning is not a harmless tradition, but an illegal and environmentally damaging act that contributes to air pollution and public health risks. They urge the public to adopt safer alternatives — such as composting or municipal collection — to manage seasonal waste responsibly.
