The Risks of Burning Leaves: Why It’s Prohibited?
Every autumn and spring, the city records instances of burning dry leaves, grass, and branches.
The Odessa City Council once again reminds us: burning dry leaves and grass is strictly prohibited in Ukraine and is punishable by administrative fines, and in some cases, criminal liability. This practice harms health, the environment, and poses risks to life.
It is also forbidden to dispose of leaves and cut branches in trash containers or leave them beside them.
There is a common myth that this can improve crop yields. However, this is not true.
Firstly, it destroys the microflora that is essential for important biological processes. The recovery of fertile soil can take 5–6 years under these conditions.
Secondly, burning contaminates the air with harmful substances that are detrimental to the respiratory system.
Thirdly, burning grass does NOT warm the soil, does NOT enrich it with ash, and does NOT promote the growth of new grass.
Additionally, a small fire can escalate into a large-scale blaze, causing destruction and increasing the workload for emergency services.
It is better to compost leaves, which is not only a civilized approach to handling organic waste but also an economical way to obtain excellent fertilizer.
