Kent County, MI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- MCL 324.8905a (NREPA litter)
- Small dump (<1 cu ft)
- Civil fine up to $800
- Large dump (5+ cu yd)
- Misdemeanor, fine up to $5,000
- Mandatory cleanup
- Court orders removal
- Enforcement
- Police, sheriff, conservation officers
Summary
Dumping trash on public or private property in Kent County is illegal under Michigan's NREPA litter statute (MCL 324.8905a). Small amounts are a civil infraction with a fine up to $800; large loads (5+ cubic yards) are a misdemeanor with fines up to $5,000, plus mandatory cleanup.
A person who violates this part, if the amount of the litter is less than 1 cubic foot in volume, is responsible for a state civil infraction and is subject to a civil fine of not more than $800.00. ... The court shall order a person to remove the litter and remediate any damage caused to the property as a result of the violation.
Full Breakdown
Illegal dumping in Kent County, Michigan is governed by the statewide litter provisions of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.8905a. The penalty scales with the volume of litter: under 1 cubic foot is a state civil infraction; 1-3 cubic feet raises the civil fine; and dumping measured in cubic yards becomes a misdemeanor. Courts must also order the offender to remove the litter and remediate any damage. Local police, county sheriff's deputies, and conservation officers enforce the statute, and cities and townships may add their own dumping ordinances. Legal disposal alternatives are the county DPW facilities and licensed private haulers, so there is no lawful reason to dump.
Violations & Fines
Under 1 cubic foot: civil fine up to $800. Larger amounts escalate to misdemeanors with penal fines up to $2,500-$5,000, plus a court-ordered duty to remove the litter and remediate the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for illegal dumping in Kent County?
Where can I dump waste legally instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kent County
Compare Kent County to another location·View the Michigan trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.