No, open burning is largely prohibited in Costa Rica under the Ley Forestal (Law No. 7575) and Reglamento de Residuos Sólidos (Decree No. 30713-S), with exceptions for agricultural burns under strict permits. The Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía (MINAE) enforces these rules, and recent 2026 amendments tighten penalties for unauthorized burns, including fines up to ₡10 million (~$18,000 USD). Local municipalities may impose additional restrictions.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Costa Rica
- Permit Requirement: Agricultural burns require prior approval from MINAE or local authorities, with mandatory buffer zones and wind-direction assessments to prevent wildfire spread.
- Prohibited Materials: Burning plastics, tires, treated wood, or municipal waste is illegal under Decreto Ejecutivo No. 30713-S; violators face immediate confiscation and fines.
- Seasonal Restrictions: Burning is banned during the dry season (December–April) in high-risk zones, as designated by the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC).
Non-compliance triggers enforcement by MINAE’s Fiscalía Ambiental or municipal police, with escalation to criminal charges for repeat offenses. Exemptions exist for indigenous communities practicing traditional slash-and-burn agriculture, but these require documented cultural justification and supervised protocols. Always verify local ordinances, as canton-level regulations may impose stricter controls.