Michigan Residents Who Put Leaves Here Could Be Fined $5,000

I was sitting on my front porch this afternoon and noticed that a bunch of leaves have already started to change color and are falling down to the cold hard ground.

While most of us are not raking up leaves yet it's important to know what you're legally allowed to do and not do so you don't break any laws and end up getting fined.

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Proper Leaf Disposal in Michigan: What You Can and Can't Do

As the leaves begin to fall across Michigan, it's important for residents to understand the proper ways to dispose of them.

With varying regulations across the state, it can be confusing to know what is and isn't allowed.

Here's a guide on leaf disposal in Michigan:

Open Burning Restrictions

The open burning of yard waste, including leaves, is prohibited in any municipality with a population of 7,500 or more, unless specifically authorized by a local ordinance.

This means most major cities in Michigan ban open burning of leaves.

Local ordinances can be more restrictive than state regulations, so it's important to check with your local government for additional restrictions.

Curbside Pickup

Many municipalities offer curbside pickup of yard waste, including leaves, as part of their waste collection services

In Brownstown, for example, leaves must be placed in 20 to 32-gallon cans clearly marked "YARD WASTE" or in designated paper yard waste bags.

The yard waste season typically runs from April through November or December.
Composting

Composting is an eco-friendly way to dispose of leaves.

Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) encourages residents to compost leaves and other yard waste.

Leaves are an important ingredient in successful compost, as they help create high-quality compost without odors.

Landfill Disposal

Under Michigan law, yard waste, including leaves, is prohibited from being disposed of in landfills.

However, there is an exception that allows yard waste to be landfilled from December 1 to March 15, provided it was generated and collected during that period.

Improper Disposal

Disposing of leaves and other yard waste in lakes, rivers, streams, or wetlands is harmful to water quality and can deplete oxygen levels, killing aquatic life.

It's also illegal under Michigan's littering law and can result in fines of $800 to $5,000.

As the fall season approaches, it's important for Michigan residents to familiarize themselves with their local leaf disposal regulations and follow them accordingly.

By composting, using curbside pickup, or finding other eco-friendly methods, we can all contribute to keeping Michigan clean and healthy while not breaking any laws.