EGLE Open Burning Regulations in Michigan (Informational)

One of the purposes for this website is to ensure the community is informed and educated on the laws, regulations, and suggested best practices of the area to ensure a safer, happier summer season. In an effort to start the season off strong, in this post you will find an attached Open Burning Regulations in Michigan pdf file from EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) along with an overview of key points.

“Open burning” is the burning of unwanted materials such as paper, trees, brush, leaves, grass,
and other debris where smoke and other emissions are released directly into the air.

It is important to note that MI air quality and waste regulations do not allow for open burning that creates smoke or imposing odors. It is recommended that a permit be obtained using the Burn Permits Management System at http://Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

Some brief notes from the document:

• Household waste from a family dwelling cannot be burned (with the exception of untreated paper).
• East Tawas is not big enough to have a ban on burning grass clippings and leaves, but if you live in a location with a population over 7,500 you will want to get a permit before burning.
• Burning of brush, trees, logs, and stumps is allowed as long as it is further than 1,400 feet from a town line.
• Don’t burn building materials, construction or demolition waste.
• Campfires are fine.
• US Flags are only to be burned by a “congressionally chartered patriotic organization”.

Resources:
EGLE Air Quality Division: http://www.michigan.gov/air
Open burning information: http://www.michigan.gov/openburning or call the Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278
Pollution Emergency Line: 800-292-4706