Ignoring Michigan’s Leaf Law Could Result in Fines Up to $5,000
Dealing with leaves is one of the biggest challenges for Michigan homeowners. Whether you rake them, blow them, or let them pile up, it can be a real hassle. However, ignoring proper disposal methods could lead to serious and costly consequences.
This time of year, Michigan's neighborhoods look like a blanket of leaves. It can be incredibly frustrating to deal with; you can rake until you're blue in the face, only to find yourself doing it all over again the next day. I can’t be the only one feeling this way, right?
Disposing of your never-ending pile of leaves and overall yard waste is the other issue. We're all aware that the proper thing to do is to bag up all your leaves and simply leave them by the curb for pickup. However, many homeowners find themselves unsure of the regulations and may inadvertently make mistakes that could lead to fines.
Did you know that putting your leaves or yard waste in the garbage is illegal? According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, you should never do this unless the yard clippings are diseased, infested, or part of an invasive species control program. Depending on your local municipality, you could face fines ranging from $25 to $100.
Ignoring Michigan's Leaf Law Could Result in Fines Up to $5,000
The other thing you should never do is dispose of your leaves and yard waste in the water. Never dump yard waste into lakes, rivers, or any body of water. In Michigan, this is a civil infraction that can be ticketed by local law enforcement and is punishable by fines ranging from $800 to $5,000, depending on the circumstances.
This also violates Michigan’s water pollution control regulations, which are enforced by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and can result in significantly higher fines.
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