Over 1,600 fines issued for leaf burning; composting offers an eco-friendly alternative
Burning leaves is still a common practice in villages, despite being prohibited. Even the large fines imposed by authorities do not deter some farmers from continuing this practice. A practical and effective solution is composting vegetable waste, which can be repurposed as fertilizer for the soil.
A farmer from the village of Ghidighici collects fallen leaves in the garden, which he later turns into compost.
"We're going to make a box and we're going to collect all the compost and the leaves that will fall from the trees this fall - we're going to put them all in this box."
Residents of the village of Ghidighici say they either compost their vegetable waste or collect it in bags, which are collected by sanitation workers.
"They rot and help ferment the soil, but if you burn them, we pollute the air. I think that conscience makes people responsible, fines less so."
Stela Babii-Fetescu has a greenhouse with flowers and is passionate about gardening. She values natural fertilizers.
"Leaves are a very important ingredient of a compost bin. It can be leaves, straw, sawdust, or other organic matter, all finely chopped as possible. It is a universal compost, which can be used for all plants in the garden", said entrepreneur Stela Babii.
Compost improves the soil's ability to retain moisture and makes it more fertile.
"So there is no ideal period, we can add compost from it that is well matured all year round, if we want to regulate the fruit, so that it blooms. If we have an excess of compost, we can scatter it around the garden", mentioned the entrepreneur.
Burning leaves causes significant damage to the environment, by polluting the air with toxic substances, destroying the soil, affecting groundwater and increasing the risk of fires. The Environmental Inspectorate employees conduct raids to catch those who violate the law. Although, from year to year, the number of cases is slightly decreasing, some citizens continue to ignore the legal provisions.
"If we are talking strictly about the violation of waste management rules, since the beginning of this year, we have over 1,600 people sanctioned, we have over three and a half million lei in fines submitted, as well as around over 1,500 raids carried out both during the day and at night", declared the head of the Environmental Protection Inspectorate, Ion Bulmaga.
For burning leaves, individuals risk fines of up to 15,000 lei, and legal entities risk penalties of up to 40,000 lei.
