Is It Illegal to Put Your Trash in Someone Else’s Trash Can in MI?

Odd as it may sound, there are Michiganders who go to great lengths to throw out their trash by placing it in someone else's garbage bins. Yes, this really does happen.

See Also: Is Opening Others' Mail in Your Mailbox Illegal in Michigan?

What motivates someone to toss their trash in another person's garbage can? Well, there are a couple of potential explanations for this behavior.

One reason could be that they don't want to pay for garbage pickup, so they dispose of their trash in someone else's garbage. Another reason could be that they're throwing something away that isn't allowed.

A Few Items That Are Illegal to Throw Away in Michigan?

• Used Oil
• Lead Acid Battery
• Yard Clippings
• Tires

Is It Legal to Put Your Trash in Someone Else's Trash Can in MI?

No, you can't put your trash in someone else's trash can. According to the Michigan Legislature website:

Any person who shall dump, deposit, or place any filth, garbage, or refuse on the grounds or premises of another, without the specific permission of the owner thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

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The only reason this is the topic of discussion today is because I watched someone do this earlier this week. Someone in my neighborhood walked over to a neighbor's house and put their garbage into their trash can.

It's possible that they got permission but the way they were looking around to make sure no one was watching, kind of made it look obvious that they were up to no good.