Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

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

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

Key Facts

Governing law
NREPA Part 87 littering
Under 1 cubic foot
Civil fine up to $800
Infectious waste
Felony, up to $5,000
County role
Health-nuisance abatement

Summary

Illegal dumping in Macomb County is a Michigan state offense under NREPA's littering law, with civil fines rising by volume and felony penalties for infectious waste. The county Health Department may also act on dumping that creates a health nuisance.

City-specific rules exist: Warren, and Sterling Heights have their own illegal dumping rules that differ from Macomb County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

Full Breakdown

Dumping trash, debris, or hazardous material on public or private property without authorization is prohibited statewide under Part 87 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. Penalties scale with the amount of litter: less than one cubic foot is a state civil infraction with a fine up to $800; larger amounts escalate to misdemeanor and felony charges, and dumping infectious waste or sharps is a felony. Local police, sheriff's deputies, and conservation officers all enforce it. The Macomb County Health Department can additionally abate dumping that creates a documented public-health nuisance, and EGLE regulates the disposal facilities themselves under Part 115.

Violations & Fines

Less than one cubic foot carries a civil fine up to $800 under MCL 324.8905a; volumes over three cubic feet become misdemeanors, and infectious-waste dumping is a felony fined up to $5,000, plus cleanup costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for illegal dumping in Macomb County?
Under Michigan law, less than one cubic foot of litter is a civil infraction fined up to $800; larger volumes and infectious waste bring misdemeanor or felony charges.
Who enforces illegal dumping here?
Local police, the sheriff, and state conservation officers enforce the littering law; the county Health Department can abate dumping that is a health nuisance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Macomb County

All Macomb County rules

Compare Macomb County to another location·View the Michigan trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Illegal Dumping in Macomb County, MI changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Illegal Dumping in Cities Across Macomb County