Ministry of the Environment announces new regulations for burning garbage

By BBN Staff: To combat the widespread burning of garbage along with the ensuing environmental health concerns, Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment, and Sustainable Development has announced new regulations that come into effect today.

The Environmental Protection (Prohibition of the Open-Burning of Refuse and Other Matter) Regulations came via Statutory Instrument No. 59 of 2020 and prohibits burning of bush, milpa, agricultural fields, pasture, grass, or any type of vegetation during the state of emergency. The regulation also prohibits the open burning of household and yard waste.

“During the state of emergency, anyone engaging in open burning on any private or public land is liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment not exceeding two years,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry also noted that it can track the location of bush fires anywhere in the country, in real time, using satellite tracking and will be mobilizing personnel to investigate burning throughout the country to prosecute those violating the regulations.

“Please be advised that every member of the police department is authorized to enforce this act,” the Minisrty added.

The Ministry also asked the public not to engage in burning waste or bush and to report any such burning in their area to the police or its departments via the Ministry’s Facebook page.

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