In response to the March 2026 storm that affected much of northern Michigan during the week of March 15, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages residents looking to clear their property of storm-related debris to work with local emergency operations centers for information about sanctioned area locations that accept yard debris and trash.
The following counties established local emergency operations centers due to the storm:
- Alcona
- Alpena
- Delta
- Missaukee
- Ogemaw
- Osceola
- Roscommon
- Wexford
“We know that dealing with storm emergencies and the aftermath can be stressful, especially when you just want to get your property restored and get life back to normal,” said F/Lt. Mark DePew, DNR law enforcement supervisor in Roscommon. “Dumping your trash on public lands isn’t the ‘quick fix’ you may think it is. Please handle these cleanups legally and ethically, take a moment to work with local resources, and protect public lands that belong to all Michiganders.”
The following laws prohibit the dumping of trash or yard debris on state-managed lands:
- General Littering Prohibition: It is illegal to knowingly dump, deposit, place, throw or leave litter on public or private property without the consent of the supervising public authority or property owner.
- Penalties Based on Litter Volume: Penalties for littering based on the amount of litter:
- Less than 1 cubic foot: Civil infraction with a fine up to $800.
- 1 to less than 3 cubic feet: Civil infraction with a fine up to $1,500.
- 3 cubic feet to less than 5 cubic yards (first offense): Misdemeanor with a fine up to $2,500.
- 5 cubic yards or more (first offense): Misdemeanor with a fine up to $5,000.
- Dumping on Another’s Property: It is a misdemeanor to dump, deposit or place any filth, garbage or refuse on someone else’s property without their specific permission.
- Yard Waste Definition and Disposal: “Yard waste” includes leaves, grass clippings and other garden debris but excludes stumps, agricultural wastes, animal waste, roots, sewage sludge, Christmas trees or wreaths, food waste or screened finished compost made from yard waste.
Burning yard debris
If you plan to burn yard debris, go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if weather conditions allow for burning in your area that day. If you do burn, remember to keep your burn pile small (no larger than 3 feet in diameter) and keep a hose or other water source nearby. Never leave a burn pile unattended, even for a moment, and always ensure a fire is completely doused and out before leaving the site.
Learn more at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
Additional information about preparing for and recovering from a natural disaster is available on the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and energy storm recovery webpage.
Comments