OPEN BURNING IN MICHIGAN

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Who Regulates Open Burning?

In Michigan, the practice of open burning may be regulated at both the state and local level. Although this document focuses on state regulations, it is important to remember that local ordinances may prohibit the open burning of any material. Contact your municipality and/or township office to find out if local ordinances are more restrictive than the state rules contained in this guide. Burn permits are required for open burning not conducted in burn barrels when the ground is not snow-covered.

Contact your fire department, municipality, or DNR district office for burn permit information.

Remember, you are legally responsible for any fire you start!

Household Waste

Persons may burn solid waste from a one or two family dwelling in an approved container, as long as it is not prohibited by local ordinance, and it does not create a smoke or odor nuisance. Solid waste includes refuse, and garbage generated at a household (grass clippings, leaves, trees, and brush are regulated separately and therefore addressed elsewhere in this fact sheet). An approved container is one constructed of metal or masonry with a metal covering device with openings no larger than ¾ inch.

Trees and Brush

The open burning of trees, logs, brush, and stumps is allowed if it meets the following criteria (unless prohibited by local law):

1. The burning is conducted further than 1,400 feet from the boundary of an incorporated city or village.
2. The burning does not violate any other air pollution rules (such as burning that causes a smoke or odor nuisance). A burn permit is required whenever the ground is not snow-covered. Although open burning of trees, logs, brush, and stumps is allowed, it is recommended that you consider other disposal options such as chipping the material for landscaping or compost or using the wood for fuel.

Structures

Structures (such as houses, barns, and sheds) may not be burned for the purpose of demolition. Air quality regulations allow structures to be intentionally burned for the purpose of fire department training ONLY.

Commercial/Industrial Waste

Open burning is not an acceptable disposal method for waste generated at commercial and industrial facilities. Neither solid waste nor air quality regulations allow the open burning of commercial and industrial wastes. Taking commercial or industrial waste to another location (such as a household) to be burned is also prohibited.

Grass Clippings and Leaves

The open burning of grass clippings and leaves produces thick smoke which can be a nuisance and is a health threat to those with respiratory conditions. The burning of grass clippings and leaves is prohibited in municipalities with a population of 7,500 or more, unless the local governing body enacts an ordinance authorizing it.