No. Open burning in Belgium is largely prohibited under federal and regional environmental laws, with exceptions narrowly defined and subject to stringent permitting. The Flemish Region, Wallonia, and Brussels-Capital Region enforce distinct rules, often aligning with EU air quality directives. Non-compliance risks fines up to €4,000 in Flanders or criminal prosecution in severe cases.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Belgium
- Flemish Region: Permits are required for agricultural or forestry residue burning, but only outside ozone alert periods (May–September). Burning household waste is illegal under the Decreet Integraal Waterbeleid (2016), with enforcement by the Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij (VMM).
- Wallonia: Open burning of green waste is permitted only with a dérogation from the Service Public de Wallonie (SPW Environnement), typically restricted to winter months (November–March). Burning treated wood or plastics violates the Code de l’Environnement (2019).
- Brussels-Capital: The Ordonnance relative à la gestion des déchets (2023) bans all open burning, including bonfires, with no exemptions. Violations are prosecuted by Bruxelles Environnement (IBGE), with penalties up to €10,000.
Regional authorities align with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) and Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC), prioritizing particulate matter (PM10/PM2.5) reduction. From 2026, Flanders will tighten enforcement via automated drone surveillance in high-risk zones. Always consult local provincial governors or municipal decrees before considering open burning.