Michigan, known for its Great Lakes and natural beauty, is also one of the strictest states when it comes to waste disposal. State laws prohibit residents from discarding certain items in household trash due to their potential environmental and health hazards.
With landfill waste per resident 72% above the national average and a 5.43% increase in solid waste disposed of in Michigan landfills in 2024, proper disposal is more important than ever. Understanding which items are illegal to throw away helps protect the environment, avoid hefty fines, and support Michigan’s growing recycling efforts.
1. Yard Clippings
Yard waste—including grass clippings, leaves, and branches—cannot be thrown away with regular trash. Michigan law requires these materials to be composted or processed separately. Residents can use yard waste bags for curbside pickup or drop them off at local composting facilities.
2. Old Tires
Whole tires are banned from landfills unless they are processed (cut, shredded, or chipped). Unprocessed tires can trap methane gas, damage landfill infrastructure, and pose fire risks. Residents should recycle tires at approved facilities or through tire retailers.
3. Beverage Containers (Returnables)
Michigan’s bottle deposit law prohibits the disposal of returnable beverage containers (glass, aluminum, and plastic with a deposit). Instead, these must be returned to stores for recycling and deposit refunds. Violators can face fines up to $1,000.
4. Lead Acid Batteries
Lead acid batteries (such as car batteries) are illegal to discard in household trash due to their toxic components. Many retailers offer recycling programs for these batteries, ensuring safe handling and resource recovery.
5. Asbestos
Asbestos-containing materials are extremely hazardous when inhaled and must be disposed of following strict regulations. Specialized contractors are required for removal and disposal to prevent environmental contamination and health risks.
6. Refrigerant-Containing Devices
Appliances like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers contain refrigerants that can harm the ozone layer and environment. Michigan law requires these devices to be processed by certified professionals before disposal.
7. Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste includes items labeled “warning,” “danger,” “corrosive,” “toxic,” or “flammable.” Examples are paints, solvents, pesticides, and certain cleaning products. These must be taken to designated collection sites or events for safe disposal.
Latest Waste and Recycling Statistics in Michigan
1.) In 2024, Michigan landfilled over 24.1 million tons of solid waste, a 5.43% increase from the previous year.
2.) Michigan leads the nation in landfill waste per capita, with 82% of waste generated in-state and the remainder imported, mainly from Canada and Ohio.
3.) The state’s recycling rate has risen to over 25% in 2024, up from 14.25% in 2019, with a goal of reaching 30% by 2029.
4.) In 2024, Michiganders recycled more than 71,000 tons of glass, 329,000 tons of paper, and 56,000 tons of plastics.
5.) The market value of recoverable materials disposed of in Michigan landfills is estimated at $500–$676 million annually.
Conclusion
Proper disposal of hazardous and prohibited items is not just a legal obligation in Michigan—it’s essential for environmental protection and public health. As landfill waste continues to rise, residents can make a significant impact by following state regulations, utilizing recycling programs, and staying informed about what cannot go in the trash. By doing so, Michigan moves closer to its sustainability goals, reduces pollution, and preserves its natural resources for future generations.
Source:
[1] https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2025/03/07/solid-waste-report
[2] https://planetdetroit.org/2025/05/michigan-food-waste-crisis/
[3] https://witl.com/illegal-to-throw-away-michigan/
[4] https://witl.com/illegal-items-michigan-trash-disposal/
[5] https://co.muskegon.mi.us/790/Prohibited-Materials-Requirements
[6] https://wkfr.com/illegal-trash-items-michigan/
[7] https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/04/24/new-data-shows-michigans-recycling-rate-continues-to-rise-heres-the-new-goal/
[8] https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-environment-watch/report-michigan-trashes-500m-worth-materials-landfills-each-year
[9] https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/press-releases/2025/04/23/record-high-recycling-rate
[10] https://wrkr.com/illegal-garbage-items-in-michigan/
[11] https://www.novilaw.com/2017/09/environmental-crimes/
[12] https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/flint/latest/flint_mi/0-0-0-12204
[13] https://www.springfieldmich.com/WM%20banned%20materials.pdf
[14] https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/solid-waste/common-violations
[15] https://ehs.msu.edu/waste/waste-disposal-guidance.html
[16] https://yvpc.sph.umich.edu/projects/preventing-illegal-dumping-to-address-community-violence/
[17] https://www.wm.com/us/en/support/faqs/products-and-services/what-materials-are-not-allowed-in-my-dumpster
[18] https://mix957gr.com/can-throw-out-biodegradable-items-from-your-car-in-michigan/
[19] https://www.lansingmi.gov/533/Illegal-Dumping-Hazardous-Waste
[20] https://www.fordfield.com/assets/doc/MSU-vs-Penn-State-Prohibited-Items-Clear-Bag-Policy-85c69eaa0e.pdf
[21] https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-750-552a
[22] https://highlandparkdev.muniweb.com/media/cwdp0x0q/illegal-dumping-ordinance.pdf
[23] https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/solid-waste/landfill-prohibited-materials-and-appropriate-disposal-options
[24] https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-324-16704
[25] https://thegame730am.com/ixp/694/p/illegal-items-michigan-trash-disposal/
[26] https://www.michiganlcv.org/legislation/increasing-illegal-dumping-fines/
[27] https://wasteadvantagemag.com/michigan-egle-releases-annual-solid-waste-report/
[28] https://arabamericannews.com/2023/03/11/survey-11-percent-of-michiganders-admit-to-illegal-dumping/
[29] https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2025-03-10/michigans-landfills-have-21-years-before-theyre-full-recycling-more-can-extend-their-lifespan
[30] https://www.hwhenvironmental.com/facts-and-statistics-about-waste/
[31] https://communityprogress.org/blog/illegal-dumping-survey/
[32] https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/solid-waste/solid-waste-disposal-areas/annual-reports-of-solid-waste-landfilled-in-michigan
[33] https://ocs.umich.edu/goals-priorities/2025-goals/waste-reduction-goal/
[34] https://www.legistorm.com/stormfeed/view_rss/5375620/organization/137255/title/egle-releases-annual-solid-waste-report.html
[35] https://oaklandcounty115.com/2025/04/19/mml4-the-future-of-recycling-and-waste-management-in-michigan/
[36] https://www.detroitchamber.com/june-6-2025-this-week-in-government-hazardous-waste-change/
[37] https://www.wastetodaymagazine.com/news/michigan-governor-proposes-raising-tipping-fees-to-curb-out-of-state-waste/
[38] https://www.rts.com/resources/guides/food-waste-america/