Romania: Fines for illegal waste burning and abandonment

In Romania, individuals face significant fines for the improper disposal of waste, including the burning of garden debris and the abandonment of bulky items like old furniture.

Under Emergency Ordinance no. 92/2021, burning leaves and branches is prohibited. Individuals found burning such waste can be fined between 30,000 and 45,000 lei. If the volume of waste or the impact on the environment and public health is significant, the act may be investigated as a criminal offense. Companies face higher penalties for burning waste, ranging from 50,000 to 70,000 lei.

Regarding bulky waste, such as furniture and mattresses, Law no. 101/2006 requires separate collection. Abandoning these items in public spaces can result in fines for individuals of up to 45,000 lei. Citizens may dispose of bulky waste for free at designated centers or during periodic collection campaigns organized by local authorities. Alternatively, waste management operators can be requested to collect items directly from a residence for a fee.