The DNRE is proposing to amend Michigan's Air Pollution Control Rules & Solid Waste Management Rules to phase out historic exemptions that have allowed households to burn their trash, which may include items such as plastics, rubber, furniture, electronics, chemicals, and other materials that release harmful emissions when burned. The changes will still allow the burning of grass clippings, leaves, trees, and yard waste in communities that allow it.

Michigan is one of few states to still allow the burning of household waste, and a number of local communities throughout the state have already taken action to ban the activity. The proposed amendments will reduce the public's exposure to the hazardous air pollution caused by burning household waste, including particulate matter and toxic air contaminants that can cause both acute and chronic adverse health effects. Reduced exposure to this type of pollution should benefit the thousands of Michigan citizens with respiratory conditions and also lessen the wildfire and property fire risk posed by this type of burning.

Rule Development Documents

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Proposed Open Burning Rule Amendments
• Proposed Open Burning Rule Amendments (R 336.1310 of the Air Pollution Control Rules and R 299.4128 of then Solid Waste Management Rules
• Existing DNRE Open Burning Rules R 336.1310 and R 299.4128
• State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules - Regulatory Impact Statements (RIS) and History for 2009-020 NE and 2009-019 NE
• Location of Landfills and Waste Drop Off Locations

Public Comment and Hearings

Please note the public comment period has ended. If you have any questions please contact Jim Ostrowski at 517-241-8057 or Brenda Blemaster at 517-335-6984.

• Associated Rules, Laws, and Policy
• 2007 Michigan Solid Waste Policy
• Part 55 of Act 451 (Air Pollution Control)
• Part 115  of Act 451 (Solid Waste Management)
• Part 515  of Act 451 (Prevention and Suppression of Forest Fires)
• Section 324.11522  of Act 451- Open Burning of Grass Clippings or Leaves
• Section 324.11549  of Act 451 -Violation as misdemeanor; violation as felony; penalty; separate offenses

Background Documents

• US EPA Trash Burning Pollutant Information
• MDEQ Burning Household Waste  (brochure)
• US EPA Hidden Hazards of Backyard Burning  (brochure)
• US EPA Evaluation of Emissions from the Open Burning of Household Waste in Barrels
• An Inventory of Sources and Environmental Releases of Dioxin-Like Compounds in the U.S. for the Years 1987, 1995, and 2000

Websites

• DNRE Open Burning Information
• DNRE Burn Permit Website
• US EPA Backyard Burning
• Burn Barrel.org
• Learn not to Burn Campaign
  • Examples of Trash Burning Reduction Programs
  • Trash Burning Laws in the Great Lakes States
  • Model Ordinances Regulating Household Trash Burning
  • Education and Outreach Materials
  • The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District Toolkit
  • Solid Waste Management Infrastructures and Alternatives