No, sleeping on a refrigerator in your Missouri backyard is not illegal under state law. This notion appears to stem from internet myths or misattributions of old appliance safety statutes, similar to debunked “wacky laws” linked to Pennsylvania.
Relevant Missouri Laws
Missouri prohibits abandoning refrigerators or airtight containers in places accessible to children, as they pose entrapment risks, but this targets disposal, not use as makeshift furniture. A separate law bans unauthorized sleeping or camping on state-owned public land, which was struck down by the Missouri Supreme Court and does not apply to private backyards.
Local Considerations
City or county ordinances might address nuisances, like unsafe structures or improper outdoor sleeping setups, but no statewide ban exists on using a backyard refrigerator for resting. Practical issues, such as zoning for appliances or neighbor complaints, could arise but lack specific “sleeping on fridge” prohibitions.
