Howard County, Maryland
Can you burn leaves at home?
No. Howard County, Maryland prohibits burning leaves from ordinary residential yard cleanup. A recreational fire may not be used for waste disposal.
Rule reviewed September 7, 2026. This residential disposal rule does not establish today's emergency burn-ban status.
Leaves are not permitted fuel.
The county's fire guidance prohibits burning leaves, brush, trash, yard waste, refuse and building materials. It also says recreational fires must not be used for waste disposal. Putting leaves in a fire pit does not make residential disposal an allowed recreational fire.
What this answer does not decide
Agricultural operations, permitted special burns, declared emergencies and other activities require their own controlling facts. This page does not determine whether a different fire is permitted or whether a temporary restriction is in effect.