In 2018, the Cleanliness Law was amended and a section was added to it that prohibits the burning of waste in open or uncontrolled fire. The law was introduced with the aim of eradicating the phenomenon of waste fires that endanger public health and the environment. Now, the ministers want to allow the enforcement of the ban on burning waste by way of imposing fines.
This is a move formulated by the Legal Bureau and the Enforcement Cluster of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, as part of Minister Tamar Zandberg’s focus issues. The initiative was approved by the Ministry of Justice in the Department of Counseling and Legislation (Criminal Law) headed by Deputy Attorney General Amit Merri.
Under the order, for the first time it will be possible to deliver a notice of payment of a fine to anyone caught burning waste. The fine to be imposed on an individual for this offense will be NIS 3,000 or NIS 6,000 for an offense committed in a sensitive place. Corporations will have a fine of between NIS 6,000 and NIS 12,000 for an offense committed in a sensitive location.
Minister of Environmental Protection Tamar Zandberg: “The phenomenon of waste fires is very serious and has become a scourge. This is one of the main causes of air pollution in Israel that is harmful to public health and the environment. Imposing fines for this criminal behavior is an important step “We are streamlining enforcement measures. We see the good of the environment and the public before our eyes and we will continue to act so that every citizen in Israel can breathe cleaner air.”
Justice Minister Gideon Saar: “We see the importance of effective enforcement against those who choose to ignore the provisions of the law and burn waste while causing air pollution and ecological damage. It is hoped that the imposition of fines will prevent waste burning and encourage the use of other means that do not cause environmental damage. And for the protection of the environment. “