Genesee County, MI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- State prohibition
- MCL 324.8902
- Under 1 cu ft fine
- Up to $800
- 1 to 3 cu ft fine
- Up to $1,500
- Larger dumping
- Misdemeanor, up to $2,500+
- Report to
- Local code / Sheriff / EGLE
Summary
Dumping litter or waste on public or private property in Genesee County without permission is illegal under Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (MCL 324.8901 et seq.). Civil fines run up to $800-$1,500 for small amounts; larger dumping is a misdemeanor with penal fines up to $2,500 or more.
A person shall not knowingly, without the consent of the public authority having supervision of public property or the owner of private property, dump, deposit, place, throw, or leave, or cause or permit the dumping, depositing, placing, throwing, or leaving of, litter on public or private property or water other than property designated and set aside for such purposes.
Full Breakdown
Michigan law prohibits dumping, depositing, placing, throwing or leaving litter on public or private property (or water) without the owner's or public authority's consent. Penalties scale with volume: litter under 1 cubic foot is a state civil infraction with a fine up to $800; 1 but under 3 cubic feet up to $1,500; 3 cubic feet up to 5 cubic yards is a misdemeanor with a penal fine up to $2,500 (up to $5,000 for a repeat). Courts may also order the violator to pay the cost of cleanup and any resource damage. Report illegal dumping to the local municipality's code enforcement, the Genesee County Sheriff, or Michigan EGLE.
Violations & Fines
State civil fines up to $800 or $1,500 for small volumes; misdemeanor penal fines up to $2,500 (first) or $5,000 (repeat) for larger dumping, plus court-ordered cleanup and damage costs under MCL 324.8905a-8905b.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for illegal dumping in Genesee County?
How do I report illegal dumping in Genesee County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Genesee County
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