Outdoor Burning: Columbus vs Dublin
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Columbus, OH and Dublin, OH?
Columbus and Dublin have similar restriction levels.
Columbus, OH
Franklin County
Outdoor burning in Franklin County is strictly regulated by Ohio EPA under OAC 3745-19. Because Franklin County contains Columbus and is designated a restricted area, open burning of yard waste, leaves, and trash is prohibited year-round in most of the county. Only small recreational cooking fires and certain agricultural burns are permitted.
View full Columbus rules →Dublin, OH
Franklin County
Open burning in Dublin is tightly restricted under Ohio EPA rule OAC 3745-19 and Washington Township Fire policy. Burning leaves, yard waste, and trash is prohibited in Franklin County restricted areas, which include Dublin.
View full Dublin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Columbus | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Yard Waste | Prohibited countywide | Prohibited |
| Regulator | Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19 | - |
| Exceptions | Cooking and ceremonial fires | - |
| Max Penalty | 25,000 dollars per day | 10,000 per day |
| Restricted Zone | All of Franklin County | - |
| Trash | - | Never allowed |
| Cooking Fire | - | Allowed |
| Authority | - | Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Columbus FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my yard in Franklin County?
No. Ohio EPA OAC 3745-19 prohibits open burning of yard waste within municipalities and within one mile of any city over 10,000 population. Franklin County is entirely in a restricted zone.
How do I dispose of brush and leaves?
Use your municipal yard-waste collection program. Columbus offers weekly yard-waste pickup; most suburbs have seasonal leaf collection and year-round brush chipping services.
Dublin FAQ
Can I burn leaves in my Dublin backyard?
No. Dublin is in a restricted area under Ohio EPA rules, and burning leaves or yard waste is prohibited year-round.
Who enforces this in Dublin?
Dublin code enforcement at (614) 410-4400 handles complaints.
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