No, burning household trash is illegal statewide in Mississippi under Mississippi Code § 17-17-29, with enforcement by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). Commercial or open burning requires permits, and local ordinances—such as those enforced by the Jackson Environmental Health Division—may impose additional restrictions. Violations risk fines up to $10,000 under the Clean Air Act.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in Mississippi
- Statewide Ban: Household trash burning is prohibited; violators face penalties under MDEQ’s Solid Waste Regulations (Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 11, R. 1).
- Permitted Exceptions: Agricultural burning (Miss. Code § 49-17-43) and land-clearing debris (with MDEQ approval) are allowed, but must comply with smoke management guidelines.
- Local Enforcement: Municipalities like Gulfport and Biloxi enforce stricter rules; for example, Gulfport’s 2024 ordinance bans all open burning within city limits without a fire department permit.
Recent shifts include MDEQ’s 2026 draft amendments to Rule 11, which propose stricter penalties for illegal burning near sensitive ecological zones, such as the Pascagoula River Basin. Always verify with local fire departments or the MDEQ’s Burn Permit Hotline (1-888-743-0808) before any burning activity.