Burning of Agricultural Green Waste

Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009

In accordance with Section 5(1) of the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009, green waste i.e.uncontaminated wood, trees, tree trimmings, leaves, brush or other similar waste arising from agricultural practices, can be burned providing that it is done as a final measure after application of the waste hierarchy as follows:

1. Waste arisings are reduced in accordance with best agricultural practices
2. Waste is reused where practicable
3. Waste is recycled through shredding and used as a compost or wood chippings where practicable
4. Waste is salvaged for use as fuel where practicable.

Please ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to limit the overall nuisance or possibilities for endangering human health or causing environmental pollution or damage to adjoining hedgerows or habitats.

Please note your obligations under the Wildlife Act 1976 and in particular Section 40(1) which states "it shall be an offence for a person to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy, during the period beginning on the 15th April and ending on the 31st day of August in any year,  any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated or in the course of cultivation for agriculture or forestry".

If you wish to burn green waste arising from agricultural practices, please complete and return the form below, at least 5 days in advance of the proposed burning, to Meath County Council, Environment Section, County Hall, Railway Street, Navan, Co. Meath.

Application Form to Burn Agricultural Green Waste doc, 503kb