It might be worth reconsidering the idea of burning your garden leaves. You could be looking at a fine of €1,500 if you do.

It was once common practice to burn leaves and branches in the garden. It was a quick way to get rid of waste, but today this behaviour can have some pretty hefty consequences. What’s the best way to dispose of them legally?

The autumnal equinox was on 23 September, so it won’t be long before the weather gets cooler, the lawns are covered in falling leaves and the trees need pruning. What’s the best way to dispose of the waste? It’s important to note that burning them is a big no-no.

Is it allowed to burn leaves in the garden? But you’d better not do it. The punishment can be painful

As we move into autumn, it’s a great time to tidy up the garden. Just remember, though, that you shouldn’t throw leaves and branches into the fire. This is all laid out in the law on the prohibition of burning garden waste, which has been in force since 1 January 2006.

The Waste Act says that people can be fined up to €1,500 if they break this rule. For businesses, the fine is between €4,000 and €350,000. It’s also worth noting that this is an illegal act, and you could be prosecuted depending on the circumstances.

So what to do with green waste? Instead of throwing it away, you can use it. It will be useful in the garden

Green waste collection is carried out in many municipalities.

• All you have to do is put the waste in special bags and leave them outside the fence. A special company will then pick them up according to a schedule.

If there is no collection point in your area.

• You can take branches and leaves to your local municipal waste collection point.

It’s also worth noting that rather than throwing the waste away, you can reuse it. Leaves are great for composting and branches can also be used to cover plants for the winter.