New Trash Burning Restrictions Effective October 16, 2012
By James Ostrowski, Michigan Department ofEnvironmental Quality
On April 19, 2012, Public Act 102 of 2012 was signed into law,prohibiting the open burning of several household trash items that pose adanger to human health and the environment. The law amends the open burningprovisions contained in Section 11522 ofthe Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Public Act 451 of 1994).The changes, which will take effect on October 16, 2012, prohibit open burninghousehold trash that contains: plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood,textiles, electronics, chemicals, or hazardous materials. The law containspenalty provisions, which may be enforced by local units of government, shoulda local ordinance not exist.
While many cities, villages, and townships throughout the state haveordinances that prohibit trash burning, some areas of the state do not.Addressing trash burning complaints in these areas can be a problem for localofficials. The new law provides a new tool that local governments can use toaddress trash burning complaints in these communities.
More information about open burning, including a model ordinance, can befound on the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s open burningwebsite: www.michigan.gov/openburning
Health Risks of Burning Trash
Chemicals from the burning of household trash may include hydrogencyanide, sulfur dioxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, lead,mercury, and dioxin. Exposure to the fine particulate matter, which contains avariety of chemicals, can have acute and chronic health effects, includingcardiovascular and respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma). Many of thesepollutants can persist in the environment, resulting in future exposure to bothpeople and wildlife. People conducting open burning of household trash as theirmain method of disposal will frequently be exposed to these hazardoussubstances, as well as people living in the surrounding area (i.e., neighborswithin several hundred feet). (Reprintedfrom the Michigan Fire Service Connection, October 2012)
Additional Information: (click the following links)
Erie Township Outdoor Burning Ordinance
Michigan Open Burning Guide