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Saginaw County, MI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Unpermitted disposal report due
within 10 working days
First minor citation
up to $1,000
Third minor citation
up to $3,000
Major violation fine
up to $10,000 per day
Appeal window
20 days to request a hearing
Circuit court review
within 60 days of final decision
Possible outcome
criminal misdemeanor charge

Summary

Dumping solid waste without a permit or license in Saginaw County triggers a mandatory report to the Solid Waste Management Department within 10 working days under Ordinance #108, on top of civil citations that run from $1,000 to $3,000 for repeat minor violations and up to $10,000 per day for a major violation.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Saginaw County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

293.1 If material is collected, transported, or disposed of without a permit or license, pursuant to this Ordinance, the owner or operator of the vehicle from which such disposal occurs shall inform the Solid Waste Management Department and shall within ten (10) working days of the event file a written report with the Solid Waste Management Department containing a complete description of the circumstances under which the disposal occurred. ... 334.1 Citations which are issued for major violations involving the same Section of this Ordinance shall be cumulative within any twelve (12) month period and subject to a fine of up to $10,000 per day together with any cost of prosecution.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

1 of Ordinance #108 requires that if material is "collected, transported, or disposed of without a permit or license," the owner or operator of the vehicle involved must notify the Solid Waste Management Department and, within 10 working days, file a written report describing the circumstances of the disposal. Enforcement runs through Sections 330 to 337. 1). 1). 1). 5). 1).

Violations & Fines

Minor violations run $1,000 for a first citation, $2,000 for a second, and $3,000 for a third within any 12-month period (Section 333.1). Major violations, including a single dumping incident tied to Section 140.1 or the filing of false information, draw citations of up to $10,000 per day (Section 334.1). The County can also pursue a criminal misdemeanor complaint and arrest warrant through the Prosecutor's Office (Section 337), or a court-ordered civil fine of up to $10,000 per day (Section 336.1).

Frequently Asked Questions

What must I do if waste is dumped in Saginaw County without a permit?
The owner or operator of the vehicle involved must inform the Solid Waste Management Department and file a written report describing the circumstances within 10 working days of the event, under Ordinance #108, Section 293.1.
How much is the fine for illegal dumping in Saginaw County?
A first minor citation runs up to $1,000, rising to $2,000 for a second and $3,000 for a third within 12 months. A major violation, such as one tied to Section 140.1 or involving false information, draws a fine of up to $10,000 per day.
Can I appeal a dumping citation?
Yes. You can petition the Enforcement Agency for an administrative hearing within 20 days of receiving the citation; the hearing must be held within 30 days, and you can seek circuit court review within 60 days of the final decision.
Is illegal dumping a criminal offense here?
It can be. The Enforcement Agency may request an appearance ticket or a criminal misdemeanor complaint and arrest warrant through the County Prosecutor's Office, separate from the civil citation and fine process.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Saginaw County

All Saginaw County rules

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