ADRIAN — Lenawee County’s solid waste ordinance may be on the books, but enforcement has all but stalled.
Speaking before the Materials Management Planning Committee Wednesday, Sheriff Troy Bevier acknowledged that his office hasn’t issued a citation under the ordinance in years. Deputies instead rely on complaint-driven investigations and typically refer cases to the prosecutor through formal warrant requests.
Lenawee County Sheriff Troy Bevier said, quote, “We haven’t written a citation for that in a very long time. In fact, I don’t think any of my people even know where the ordinance is at,” unquote.
Bevier added that from May 2024 to May 2025, only eight complaints related to illegal dumping were received — and none through dispatch.
The committee is currently reviewing updates to the county’s waste management plan, including how to improve enforcement, licensing compliance, and public education.