A garden fire, a common practice during autumn, involves burning dead leaves, cut branches, and other green waste. This activity, traditionally seen as a simple maintenance task, has been identified as a significant source of pollution. According to data from the ADEME, burning 50 kg of plants outdoors releases as many fine particles into the atmosphere as a recent diesel car traveling 13,000 kilometers. Some sources mention an equivalent of up to 34,000 to 37,000 kilometers driven in a recent car, depending on the type of engine considered. Burning green waste has been prohibited since a circular of November 28, 2011, for individuals as well as for local authorities. Despite this law, about one million tons of green waste are still burned each year in France, and 9 percent of the French still practice burning. An official leaflet distributed in the Hauts-de-France region mentions an equivalent of up to 34,000 to 37,000 kilometers driven in a recent car, depending on the type of engine considered. The prohibition of garden fires is due to the health and environmental risks they pose. Open-air combustion produces incomplete and chaotic burning, leading to the release of toxic substances such as dioxins and carcinogens. These substances can disperse into the surrounding air and fall back on the surrounding soils and crops. The smoke from garden fires also directly exposes neighbors to persistent odors, respiratory irritations, and an increased risk for vulnerable people, particularly children, the elderly, or those suffering from respiratory diseases. For individuals caught in the act, the penalty is 450 euros, a sum that may seem high for a gesture often perceived as a simple garden maintenance. Some local sources even mention a fixed fine that can rise up to 750 euros in case of recurrence or if the fire has caused damage, such as a fire outbreak or a proven nuisance to the neighborhood. A notable exception concerns the agricultural sector: farmers, who prefer to refer to green residues rather than waste, retain the right to burn certain agricultural residues according to rules set at the departmental level, provided they respect the periods of prohibition linked to pollution or drought episodes. Composting, mulching, and municipal waste disposal sites offer legal and free alternatives to garden fires. Composting remains undoubtedly the most accessible alternative: dead leaves, lawn clippings, and small pruning residues can easily be added to a garden composter, where they will gradually transform into rich, free soil to nourish flower beds and vegetable gardens. For larger branches, mulching is another interesting option, as it allows transforming these residues into mulch, very useful for protecting the soil from winter cold or limiting the growth of weeds in the following spring. Most municipalities now offer waste disposal centers equipped to receive these green wastes for free, as well as specific collections organized at certain times of the year.