Illegal Dumping: Grand Rapids vs Wyoming

What is the penalty for illegal dumping in Kent County?

Under Michigan's MCL 324.8905a, small amounts are a civil infraction with a fine up to $800; large loads become a misdemeanor with fines up to $5,000, plus mandatory cleanup.

Where can I dump waste legally instead?

Use Kent County DPW facilities (Waste-to-Energy, South Kent Landfill, North Kent Transfer Station) or a licensed private hauler. Self-haul bagged trash is $5.00 per bag.

What counts as illegal dumping in Wyoming, MI?

Under Wyoming Code Chapter 30 (Environment) and Chapter 50 (Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions), any deposit of refuse, garbage, rubbish, debris, construction waste, tires, appliances, or other discarded material on any property within the City without the owner's permission and outside of a permitted disposal site. That reaches public AND private property. The Michigan Penal Code at MCL 750.552a (Littering) is the parallel state criminal statute, and larger-scale or hazardous dumping is reachable under NREPA Part 115 (MCL 324.11501 et seq.) for Michigan EGLE enforcement.

What is the fine for illegal dumping in Wyoming, MI?

Under the local civil-infraction framework (Wyoming Code Chapters 30 and 50), fines are set by 62A District Court schedule and typically run $100-$500 plus court costs for first-tier offenses, with restitution ordered for the cost of cleanup. The parallel Michigan criminal littering statute (MCL 750.552a) is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail and a fine up to $500. Large-scale or hazardous dumping is referred to Michigan EGLE under NREPA Part 115 (MCL 324.11501 et seq.) with administrative civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation under MCL 324.11526. The City may also abate the condition and lien the cleanup cost to the property as a special assessment under MCL 117.4l.

How do I report illegal dumping in Wyoming, MI?

For active dumping in progress, call the Wyoming Police Department non-emergency line at 616-530-7300 - include vehicle make/model, color, and license plate. For after-the-fact discovery of dumped material on a vacant lot, alley, or roadside, contact the City of Wyoming Code Enforcement Office through Building Inspections at wyomingmi.gov/inspections or call 616-530-7286. Photos and videos significantly improve enforcement outcomes. For hazardous material or large-scale dumping, also report to Michigan EGLE's Pollution Emergency Alerting System at 800-292-4706. Kent County's reimaginetrash.org offers additional reporting channels for material observed at unlicensed disposal sites.