Nature Conservation Agency warns against dumping garden waste in forests

The Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) in Latvia is warning citizens against dumping garden waste, such as damaged fruits and vegetables, into forests. While organic matter may seem harmless, officials state it causes significant damage to forest ecosystems.

Karīna Lazdāne, head of the Wildlife Protection Division, explains that discarded crops like apples, pears, carrots, and potatoes act as strong attractants for wildlife. This artificially concentrates animals near human settlements, roads, and nature trails, which increases the risk of human-wildlife encounters and traffic accidents. Furthermore, these feeding sites can facilitate the rapid spread of infectious diseases and parasites among animals.

Additionally, garden waste can introduce invasive plant species—such as Canadian goldenrod and Syrian ash—that displace native flora and fauna. The decomposition of large amounts of organic matter also alters the chemical composition of forest soil, encouraging the growth of non-native plant species.