Rochester Hills, MI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

Rochester Hills' litter ordinance, Code of Ordinances Chapter 46, Article III, declares it unlawful under § 46-63 for any person to knowingly dump, deposit, place, throw or leave litter on public or private property or waters within the city without the consent of the property owner or the public authority supervising that property, unless the property has been designated by the city for waste disposal. Section 46-61 defines "litter" broadly to cover rubbish, refuse, waste material, garbage, offal, paper, glass, cans, bottles, trash and debris, and extends the prohibition to rights-of-way, parks, playgrounds, conservation areas and residential or farm properties.

Section 46-64 allows public authorities to post signs publicizing the rule and to set up designated litter receptacles, the only lawful drop points referenced in § 46-63's exception. Under § 46-65, any violation of the litter article is expressly classified as a municipal civil infraction rather than a misdemeanor. That classification triggers the general sanctions in § 1-16: a civil fine of not more than $500 per offense, plus court costs, with increased fines allowed for a repeat offense (a second violation of the same provision by the same person within three years) and every day the violation continues treated as a separate offense.

Enforcement falls to Oakland County Sheriff's Office deputies who patrol under contract, or to a city ordinance enforcement officer designated by the mayor, either of whom may issue appearance citations under § 1-14 and Michigan Public Act No. 366 of 1984. The litter article also cross-references the city's separate solid waste chapter, Chapter 86, so illegal-dumping citations are distinct from missed-pickup or container violations.