Trash & Recycling in Flint, MI (2026)
7 verified trash & recycling rules for Flint, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Only Department of Public Works and Utilities employees, licensed haulers and other City-authorized collectors may pick up trash the City of Flint has set out for collection: scavenging curbside receptacles or rubbish is unlawful for anyone else.
Flint Trash Collection Interference Ban
Some RestrictionsFlint City Code § 39-27
It shall be unlawful for any person other than employees of the Department of Public Works and Utilities, licensed garbage and refuse collectors or other authorized persons, to disturb, collect or in any other manner interfere with garbage and rubbish placed in the streets, alleys and public places for collection by the City authorities, or to interfere in any manner with any garbage and rubbis...
Bin Placement Rules
Flint requires household trash receptacles kept at the rear of the property except on collection day, set within about five feet of the curb, and out no more than 12 hours before 7 a.m. pickup.
Flint Trash Cart Placement Rules
Some RestrictionsFlint, MI Code of Ordinances §§ 39-22(c), 39-26(a)
(a) All portable receptacles for garbage or rubbish shall be located in the rear of the premises except on collection day or the evening previous to date of collection. In residential areas, receptacles for refuse shall be placed...as close as possible to the driveway and within approximately five feet of the curb...§ 39-22(c) Discarded property, junk, garbage or rubbish shall not be placed a...
Bulk Item Disposal
The City of Flint caps curbside collection at 20 approved bags or receptacles plus three pieces of furniture per pickup; putting out more requires a paid permit sticker from the City Treasurer's office on each excess item.
Flint Bulk Item Curbside Limit
Some RestrictionsFlint City Code § 39-22(d)
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to place more than 20 approved receptacles or bags along with three pieces of furniture at the place designated for collection unless an appropriate permit has been acquired from the City of Flint Treasurer's office.
Illegal Dumping
Flint bans dumping rubbish, garbage or waste on any property without a licensed site or permit, treating violations as a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $500.
Flint Illegal Dumping Penalties
Heavy RestrictionsFlint, MI Code of Ordinances § 39-1
(a) ...it shall be unlawful to dump, deposit or otherwise drop or leave any rubbish; refuse; compost; garbage; construction waste; auto bodies, tires and parts; materials or other waste products, on any property or premises within the City unless the property or premises is a dumping site properly licensed by the City...(l) A person who violates this section is responsible for a misdemeanor...
Yard Waste Collection
Flint calls yard debris like grass clippings, leaves and small branches 'compost material' and requires it be set out in paper bags or open containers capped at 32 gallons for curbside collection.
Flint Yard Waste Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsFlint, MI Code of Ordinances §§ 39-2, 39-18.1
COMPOST. All organic materials which grow on the property which are to be disposed of, such as grass clippings, vegetable and other garden debris, weed, leaves, plants, clippings from hedges and shrubs, branches or tree trimmings less than four feet in length and two inches in diameter from trees and bushes...§ 39-18.1 COMPOST MATERIAL. All compost materials for collection shall be placed in pa...
Dumpster Rules
Large moveable trash receptacles, roll-offs and commercial dumpsters, need the Superintendent of Waste Collection's sign-off on location and size, plus a separate Department of Public Works and Utilities installation permit.
Flint Roll-Off Dumpster Placement Rules
Significant RestrictionsFlint City Code § 39-24
The locations, size and nature of large moveable receptacles shall be approved by the Superintendent of Waste Collection.
Collection Schedule
The City of Flint collects household garbage and rubbish free of charge, but leaves the actual pickup day and frequency to the Department of Public Works and Utilities rather than fixing a schedule in the ordinance itself.
Flint Free Residential Trash Collection
Light RestrictionsFlint City Code § 39-28
Domestic waste shall be collected without charge; except, that waste material scattered on the ground or placed in other than proper receptacles as specified may be classed as commercial waste and may be charged for at special rates to be determined by the Director of Public Works and Utilities and approved by the City Council.
Looking for Genesee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Flint city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Genesee County →