LANSING, Mich., Nov. 13, 2025 — State Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) introduced legislation to hold landfill owners and operators accountable after years of repeated violations that have left Michigan neighborhoods and schools overwhelmed with odors. The Landfill Accountability Act increases penalties on violating landfills tenfold, making clear that breaking the law will come with real consequences.

“If you smelled trash inside your home or in your child’s classroom, you’d be angry, and you’d feel like your government was failing you. That’s exactly what families in our community have been living with,” Morgan said. “The Landfill Accountability Act makes it clear: if you’re violating the law, you’ll pay for it, and it’ll be a high cost. It’s time these companies stop treating fines as just a small cost of doing business and start putting the health of Michigan families first.”

House Bill 5333 amends Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to raise civil, administrative and criminal fines for landfill penalties. Current penalties are often written off by many landfill operators as a “cost of doing business,” creating an environment where households are left to suffer the consequences of corporate corner-cutting. The Landfill Accountability Act increases fines by 10 times, imposes steeper penalties for repeat offenses and strengthens criminal consequences for knowingly violating environmental or solid waste management laws.

The legislation comes after years of frustration from communities near landfills across Michigan, including the Arbor Hills Landfill in Salem Township. Residents have endured persistent odor violations, traffic congestion and chemical contamination. At the same time, operators continue to seek expansion, despite a settlement agreement with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Attorney General’s Office stemming from repeated noncompliance.

“For years, communities like ours have asked the state to take stronger action against repeat landfill violators, like the Arbor Hills Landfill in Salem Township,” said Dave Horan, President of the Northville-based Conservancy Initiative. “State Representative Morgan’s bill is a much-needed step toward accountability and fairness. Families deserve to know the air they breathe is clean and trust that their government will stand up to powerful corporate polluters instead of looking the other way.”

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