Michigan's Right to Farm Act preempts local ordinances regulating commercial farm composting following Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices, under MCL 286.471 et seq.
The Michigan Right to Farm Act, MCL 286.471 through 286.474, preempts any local ordinance, regulation, or resolution that conflicts with Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) adopted by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture. Commercial farm operations conducting on-site composting consistent with GAAMPs are shielded from local nuisance suits and zoning restrictions. The preemption does not extend to backyard residential composting, which remains under local control. Yard waste landfill disposal is also restricted statewide by Part 115 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.11521, which bans yard clippings from sanitary landfills, encouraging composting and mulching alternatives across Michigan.
Local ordinances conflicting with GAAMPs are unenforceable; yard waste landfill dumping violates MCL 324.11521.
See how Zeeland's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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