LANSING, Mich., Feb. 17, 2022 — Today, the Michigan House Representatives passed House Bill 4084. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Cynthia A. Johnson (D-Detroit), helps protect the health of Michiganders by holding illegal dumpers accountable and increasing the penalty for those who engage in illegal dumping practices.

“For far too long, companies have treated our neighborhoods like dumpsters, disrespecting the people in this state, just to save a few bucks,” Johnson said. “Detroiters and Michiganders deserve legislators that will fight for their community and public health. I’m glad that my colleagues recognize the significance of holding illegal dumpers responsible for the danger they cause residents. I look forward to getting this bill over the finish line.”

HB 4084, which now awaits consideration in the Senate, would hold illegal dumpers accountable by requiring them to remove the trash and fix any damage they caused as a part of their sentence. It would also increase the penalty for dumping 3 cubic feet or more of garbage from a civil infraction to a misdemeanor and double the fine for dumping 5 cubic yards or more of garbage.