Trash & Recycling in Flint, MI (2026)
6 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
Flint's residential refuse collection is operated by Priority Waste under contract extended by City Council in November 2023 (rate-locked through 2028). Service runs Monday through Friday with each address assigned one collection day; trash, recycling, and compost/yard waste are collected on the same day. Carts must be at the curb by 7 a.m., and collection happens between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. (no guaranteed time window). When a holiday falls on or before a service day, collection shifts one business day later for that week. Customer service: 855-927-8365 or 586-228-1200.
Flint Trash Pickup: Priority Waste Weekly Service Monday-Friday; Set Out Before 7 a.m.; Trash + Recycling + Compost on Same Day
Some RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
Priority Waste's published Flint operating rules direct residents to place the 96-gallon grey trash cart and 64-gallon blue recycling cart at the curb before 7 a.m. on their designated collection day; yard-waste/compost bags or containers must be set at the curb at least 10 feet away from the trash and recycling carts so the separate compost truck can collect them. Cart handles should face the house, with the cart positioned in the gutter or just behind the curb and clear of parked cars, mailboxes, and obstructions so the rear-loading or automated arm truck can access them.
Flint Bin Placement: Carts to Curb Before 7 a.m. on Service Day; Yard Waste 10 Feet from Trash; Clear of Parked Cars and Obstructions
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Flint residents on the Priority Waste route get curbside bulk collection automatically every week on their regular trash day - up to 3 bulk items and 20 bags per week, with NO advance scheduling or special pickup request required. Bulk includes furniture, mattresses (which must be wrapped in plastic), and most household bulky items. Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and other freon-bearing appliances are NOT collected unless they bear a sticker certifying that the refrigerant has been properly evacuated under EPA Section 608. Hazardous waste, electronics, tires, and construction debris are also excluded.
Flint Bulk Pickup: 3 Bulk Items + 20 Bags Per Week (No Special Request); Mattresses Must Be Wrapped; Freon Appliances Need Evacuation Sticker
Some RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Flint residents recycle through the 64-gallon blue cart issued by Priority Waste in fall 2024 (one per household; distributed September-October 2024 with EGLE grant and Recycling Partnership funding). Accepted curbside: paper, cartons, flattened cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, foil trays, glass bottles/jars, and plastic bottles/jugs/storage containers/tubs (caps off, loose). Not accepted: bagged recyclables, plastic bags or wrap, hoses/cords/wires, batteries, electronics, food/liquid contamination, polystyrene (Styrofoam), food-contaminated cardboard (pizza boxes), ceramics, bubble wrap, and metal or plastic hangers. Recycling rides on the same day as trash.
Flint Curbside Recycling: 64-Gal Blue Cart Distributed 2024; Paper, Cardboard, Cans, #1-#7 Bottles/Jugs/Tubs; NO Bagged Recyclables or Plastic Bags
Some RestrictionsIllegal Dumping
Flint Code Section 39-1 (Illegal Dumping) makes it unlawful to dump, deposit, drop, or leave any rubbish, refuse, compost, garbage, construction waste, auto bodies, tires, or parts on any property in the City unless it is a properly licensed dumping site or the actor holds a proper permit. The statute declares illegal dumping a public nuisance, makes a violation a misdemeanor subject to up to 90 days in jail and a $250-$500 fine plus restitution for cleanup and natural-resource damage, and authorizes administrative seizure, impoundment, and forfeiture of motor vehicles used to facilitate the activity (with a 30-day notice-of-seizure contest window). Crime Stoppers of Flint pays rewards up to $1,000 ($2,000 for tire dumping) for tips leading to arrest.
Flint Illegal Dumping: § 39-1 Misdemeanor - 90 Days Jail, $250-$500 Fine, Vehicle Forfeiture; Crime Stoppers Pays Up to $1,000 ($2,000 for Tires)
Heavy RestrictionsYard Waste Collection
Flint's curbside compost / yard-waste program runs from April 6 through the week containing November 30 each year (April 6 - November 27 in 2026); collection is on the same day as regular trash and recycling. Bags and containers must be 40 gallons or smaller and weigh less than 50 lbs, placed at least 10 feet away from the trash and recycling carts so the separate compost truck can collect. Accepted materials: grass clippings, leaves, shrub and brush trimmings under 6 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet in length. Up to 20 bags per week. Free yard-waste bags available at City Hall, Mays Senior & Community Center, and McKinley Community Center.
Flint Yard Waste: Curbside Compost Season April 6 - November 27 (2026); 40-Gal Bags/Cans Under 50 Lbs; 10 Feet from Trash; Up to 20 Bags Per Week
Some RestrictionsLooking for Genesee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Flint city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Genesee County →