Outdoor Burning: Mount Vernon vs White Plains

Can I burn fallen leaves in my backyard?

No. Mount Vernon's dense urban environment prohibits open burning, and NY DEC bans burning leaves and yard waste regardless of season.

When is the NY statewide brush burn ban?

NY DEC 6 NYCRR Part 215 bans residential brush burning from March 16 through May 14 each year. Burning household trash is illegal year-round statewide, including in Mount Vernon.

What's the fine for open burning in Mount Vernon?

NY DEC minimum fines start at $500 for a first offense. Mount Vernon's fire code effectively prohibits all open burning given its urban density — only small cooking fires in approved appliances are allowed.

Can I burn leaves in my backyard?

No. White Plains exceeds the DEC 20,000-population threshold, so open brush and leaf burning is prohibited year-round.

When is the statewide NY burn ban?

6 NYCRR Part 215 imposes a statewide brush burning ban from March 16 through May 14 each year. In White Plains, open burning of brush and trash is prohibited year-round regardless, since it is over the 20,000-population threshold.

What's the fine for illegal burning in White Plains?

First offenses carry a minimum $500 fine. The White Plains Fire Bureau responds to complaints and can issue summonses; trash burning (leaves, garbage, household waste) is illegal statewide year-round.