Flint, MI Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Flint's yard-waste and composting program is operated through a contract with Priority Waste (https://www.prioritywaste.com/municipality/flint-mi/) coordinated by the City Sanitation function within the Department of Public Works (https://www.cityofflint.com/sanitation/). The curbside compost/yard waste collection runs from April 1 through the week containing November 30 (typically the second week of April through the last week of November in operational practice). Residents may set out up to 20 bags or cans per pickup; containers must be 40 gallons or smaller and weigh less than 50 pounds. A separate truck collects yard waste on the resident's regularly scheduled trash day, with compost set out at the curb at least 10 feet from regular waste and no later than 7:00 a.m. on collection day. Approved materials include grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, and small brush and branches; tree limbs must be cut and bundled separately. Michigan's Public Act 264 of 1990 (codified within Part 115 of NREPA - Solid Waste Management, MCL 324.11521) banned yard clippings from landfills and incinerators effective March 28, 1993 for waste-generating units and 1995 for other sources (https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/composting). Backyard home composting is permitted without a City permit. Best practice consistent with EGLE and MSU Extension guidance: keep compost bins 5-10 feet from property lines, use a rodent-resistant design, balance browns (carbon: leaves, paper) and greens (nitrogen: grass, food scraps), and avoid meat, dairy, oils, and pet waste. Open burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste is regulated under Michigan Air Pollution Control rules adopted under Part 55 of NREPA (MCL 324.5501+), with EGLE delegating enforcement to local jurisdictions; the City of Flint Fire Department enforces local burning restrictions, and burning yard waste within City limits is generally prohibited.