It is strictly regulated.
Open burning in Austria is permitted only under stringent conditions, primarily for agricultural, forestry, or emergency purposes. The Bundesluftreinhaltegesetz (Federal Air Quality Act) and regional Immissionsschutzgesetze (Immission Control Acts) govern these activities, with local authorities enforcing compliance. Violations risk fines up to €36,000 under the Umweltschutzgesetz (Environmental Protection Act), and 2026 amendments tighten emission thresholds for particulate matter (PM10/PM2.5).
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Austria
- Permit Requirements: Open burning demands prior approval from the Landeshauptmann (state governor) or district administrative authority, except for minor agricultural residue burning under 100 kg/day. Applications must demonstrate adherence to emission limits and weather conditions (e.g., wind speed < 3 m/s).
- Prohibited Materials: Burning of household waste, plastics, treated wood, or hazardous substances is illegal under the Abfallwirtschaftsgesetz (Waste Management Act). Only untreated biomass (e.g., straw, wood chips) may be burned, provided it originates from the landowner’s property.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Burning is typically banned during high-risk periods (e.g., March–May for agricultural fires, summer for forestry slash). Regional authorities may impose additional bans during air quality alerts, as outlined in the Immissionsschutzverordnung (Immission Control Ordinance).