NEW TRASH BURNING RESTRICTIONS TAKE EFFECT OCT. 16, 2012
Public Act 102 of 2012, signed into law April 19, 2012, prohibits the open burning of several household trash items that pose a danger to human health and the environment. The changes, which take effect on Oct. 16, 2012, prohibit open burning household trash that contains: plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials. The law contains penalty provisions, which may be enforced by local units of government, should a local ordinance not exist.
While many municipalities throughout the state have ordinances that prohibit trash burning, some areas of the state do not. The new law provides a new tool that local governments can use to address trash burning complaints in these communities.
More information about open burning, including a model ordinance, can be found on MTA's Outdoor and Open Burning Regulation page.