Can I have a bonfire or burn leaves on my own plot?
It depends: burning leaves and branches isn't allowed, but a recreational bonfire — yes, with care. Burning leaves, mown grass, brushwood and branches on your own property is generally illegal — green waste should be composted or handed in for collection. Exception: if the municipality doesn't provide collection of bio-waste, you may burn plant residues, provided they pose no fire hazard and aren't a nuisance to neighbours. The law, however, doesn't ban a classic recreational bonfire or barbecue (e.g. grilling sausages), if it serves recreational or culinary purposes and meets strict safety standards: the fire should be at least 4 m from the boundary and 100 m from forest, away from buildings and flammable materials, under constant supervision. From 2 January 2026 penalties for careless handling of fire were tightened. Always check local rules.
📋 The rules
- Burning leaves, grass and branches on a plot generally illegal
- Exception: where the municipality doesn't collect bio-waste and there's no hazard
- Recreational bonfire/barbecue allowed with care
- Minimum 4 m from the boundary and 100 m from forest
- From 2 January 2026 harsher penalties for careless fire
🔓 Exceptions
- No bio-waste collection in the municipality: burning plant residues is allowed
- Recreational bonfire and barbecue for culinary purposes: allowed with safety rules
- Local resolutions may add restrictions or bans
⚠️ Penalties & fines
From 2 January 2026 fire-safety rules were tightened: causing a hazard risks a fine up to 30,000 zł, and a fine for carelessly lighting a fire can reach 5,000–6,000 zł; detention or restriction of liberty are also possible. Regardless, burning green waste against the waste rules is an offence. Before lighting a fire: check whether the municipality collects bio-waste (if so, you may not burn leaves and branches), keep the distances (4 m from the boundary, 100 m from forest), don't burn during drought or strong wind, keep water or an extinguisher at hand, and don't leave the fire unattended. Also check for local bans.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I burn leaves in my garden?
Generally no. Burning leaves, grass, brushwood and branches on your own property is illegal — green waste should be composted or handed in for collection. The exception is where the municipality doesn't provide bio-waste collection and burning poses no fire hazard or nuisance.
Can I light a bonfire on my plot?
Yes, if it's a recreational or culinary bonfire (e.g. a barbecue, grilling sausages) and meets the safety rules. The fire should be at least 4 m from the plot boundary and 100 m from forest, away from buildings, under constant supervision and with water or an extinguisher nearby.
What penalties apply to illegal burning?
From 2 January 2026 penalties were tightened. Causing a fire hazard risks a fine up to 30,000 zł, and a fine for carelessly lighting a fire can reach 5,000–6,000 zł. Detention or restriction of liberty are also possible. Burning green waste against the rules is an offence.
When may I burn branches and leaves?
Only where the municipality doesn't provide bio-waste collection — then you may burn plant residues, provided they pose no fire hazard and aren't a nuisance to neighbours. If the municipality collects bio-waste, burning leaves and branches isn't allowed and is penalised.
Where can I check the local rules?
On the municipality website and in the local regulations on cleanliness and order. That's where you'll find information on bio-waste collection and any bans. In drought periods the fire service and forests may impose extra bans on open fire.
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