Beijing bans burning leaves for cleaner air

Beijing has completely banned the common trash-disposal practice of burning leaves, the city's landscape and forestry bureau told Xinhua on Thursday.

The bureau said they hoped to reduce air pollution and risks of fire by prohibiting disposal of leaves, weeds and other plant wastes in gardens and mountain areas via bonfires or incinerators.

Beijing banned open-air burning of straw, leaves and weeds in 2014 in its battle with the choking air pollution.

In the latest ban, issued earlier this month, the bureau threatened to punish gardening administrations if their workers violate the rules.

It said Beijing churns out three million tonnes of plant waste each year. Eco-friendly disposal and recycling methods, including turning the waste into fertilizer or bio-fuel, were required.