Brussels-City residents responsible for clearing leaves outside their home

Brussels-City residents have been reminded that they are legally responsible for keeping the pavement in front of their homes clear of leaves by disposing of them in designated bins.

The sanitation department has placed 81 bins throughout the municipal area for free leaf disposal. The bins are placed in areas where leaf piles are most common, based on observations from previous years.

The leaves do not need to be placed in a green bag.

A refuse collection vehicle will pass by three to four times a week to empty the bins.

The obligation stems from legislation that says every Brussels resident must keep the pavement in front of their home safe for passers-by. This means free of snow and ice in winter, but also leaves.

In the event of a violation, a fine of €25 per metre of unmaintained pavement may be imposed on the resident concerned.

The regulations apply to property owners, who must ensure that the pavement remains passable, and also tenants, who must check their contract to see if this responsibility falls to them.

Shopkeepers are also required to clear the area around their premises.

Leaf collection is about more than simply keeping streets presentable. During the severe weather conditions that Belgium experienced on 20 October, the Brussels fire brigade had to respond to about 30 incidents involving blocked drains and flooded streets.

“The blockages were mainly caused by an accumulation of dead leaves, which hindered the drainage of rainwater,” said Walter Derieuw, spokesperson for the Brussels fire brigade.