No, burning household waste in Belgium violates the Flemish Waste Decree (VLAREM II) and Walloon Waste Code, with strict penalties under regional enforcement. Only exemptions apply for agricultural or forestry residues under controlled conditions. Brussels enforces similar prohibitions via the Ordonnance relative aux déchets. Non-compliance risks fines up to €4,000 in Flanders or €10,000 in Wallonia, with 2026 inspections targeting illegal incineration.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in Belgium
- Flemish Region: VLAREM II (Art. 5.2.1) bans open burning of household waste; permits are required for agricultural or green waste under strict emission limits. Violations trigger administrative fines via OVAM.
- Walloon Region: Waste Code (Art. D.200-1) prohibits incineration of non-hazardous waste; exceptions exist for biomass under Walloon Environment Agency (SPW) oversight, with mandatory prior notification.
- Brussels-Capital: Ordonnance relative aux déchets (Art. 12) criminalizes unauthorized burning; Brussels Environment (IBGE) enforces via municipal police, with judicial referrals for repeat offenses.
Local authorities may impose additional municipal ordinances, such as Antwerp’s 2025 ban on garden waste burning. The 2026 EU Circular Economy Action Plan further tightens waste management standards, increasing scrutiny on regional compliance. Always verify with the competent authority (OVAM, SPW, or IBGE) before any burning activity.