Burning dry leaves and sticks is, next to mushroom picking, our national autumn sport. Many Poles go to the plot or garden as one to clean up. The problem is that out of sight, out of mind. Because yes, we will get rid of the mess, but at the same time we will deplete our wallet and poison the neighborhood atmosphere.
“The stench literally eats at you.”
It’s the same every year. I’m going to the plot, and there’s smoke on the right, smoke on the left, and smoke in front. I can’t see the road in front of me, I can’t breathe. Everyone is kicking these stinking leaves. You can go crazy!
– complains Justyna, who contacted our editorial office to publicize the problem. And it is really serious, and not only because of good neighborly relations. But more on that in a moment. Smoke from burning dry leaves and branches is a real torment for both allotment gardeners and owners of single-family houses with gardens.
The stench literally eats at you. It’s a tragedy to feel it everywhere, on your clothes, in your hair. I can even feel it in my mouth and throat. I’m about to have a cough that won’t go away after a minute or an hour. I’m struggling with this for a few more days. Eyes glazed over, because it also reaches the eyes. Tears are falling, and they are still standing and staring at these burning leaves like a magpie at a gun.
I know that there was a time when it was burning as much as possible. But times have changed. Let people live!
– adds the reader.
Burning waste can hurt your wallet
Burning plant waste was once highly recommended. Especially when it comes to plants infected with diseases and pests, burning them completely eliminates and inhibits the spread of infection. Additionally, ash is used to fertilize the soil. Today, however, burning such leftovers on your own is illegal, which is supported by appropriate legal provisions related to waste segregation and the regulations of Family Allotment Gardens adopted by the National Council of the Polish Association of Allotment Gardeners. Additionally, we may also be held legally liable under Article 144 of the Civil Code:
When exercising his right, the property owner should refrain from actions that would disturb the use of neighboring properties beyond the average limit resulting from the socio-economic purpose of the property and local relations.
Burning dry leaves or branches on your own may cost you much more than poor relations with your neighbors. We may be fined up to PLN 500.
What to do with dry leaves?
All citizens are obliged to separate waste. Therefore, they should be placed in a visible place on the day of collection of bio-waste. Another option is to take them to the nearest PSZOK. Many gardeners also use composters. Thanks to them, we can easily get rid of waste, and at the same time we will have material for fertilizing plants and other garden works. So it’s definitely worth considering this solution.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
