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.
Section 39-1 of the Flint Code (adopted October 20, 1952; amended June 12, 2000 and May 5, 2004) is the primary local illegal-dumping statute. It reaches any dump, deposit, drop, or leaving of rubbish, refuse, compost, garbage, construction waste, auto bodies, tires, and parts on any property or premises within the City unless the site is a properly licensed dumping site or the actor holds a proper permit; the statute separately prohibits dumping that is hazardous or detrimental to public health regardless of permit status. Illegal dumping is expressly declared a public nuisance, which lets the City use abatement remedies and supports the vehicle-forfeiture authority. Penalty: misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $250-$500 (range confirmed by City of Flint press releases on the Crime Stoppers reward program), plus court-ordered restitution for the cost of removing the litter and the cost of damage to land, water, wildlife, vegetation, or other natural resources. The forfeiture provision is unusual and aggressive: any motor vehicle used to facilitate illegal dumping may be administratively seized and impounded; failure to file notice contesting forfeiture within 30 days of receiving the notice of seizure results in automatic administrative forfeiture to the City. Flint also overlays the state-law framework: the Michigan Penal Code at MCL 750.552a (Littering/Refuse Disposal) for smaller-scale littering, and the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act at MCL 324.8901 et seq. (and the related NREPA Part 115 solid-waste provisions at MCL 324.11501 et seq.) for larger-scale or hazardous dumping referred to Michigan EGLE. Reporting: the City of Flint partners with Crime Stoppers of Flint and the Mott Foundation-funded Fight Blight initiative; tips that lead to an arrest pay up to $1,000 (regular dumping) or up to $2,000 (tire dumping) through 1-800-422-JAIL (5245), CrimeStoppersofFlint.com, or the P3 mobile app. Flint Police Department Neighborhood Safety Officers also issue Chapter 31 Article III civil-infraction tickets for the lower-tier conduct.
First-offense Section 39-1 illegal dumping: misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail and a $250-$500 fine, plus restitution for cleanup and natural-resource damage. The City may administratively seize and impound the motor vehicle used to facilitate dumping; failure to contest seizure within 30 days results in automatic administrative forfeiture to the City. Lower-tier conduct may also be civilly ticketed under Chapter 31 Article III (Blight Violations) before the Administrative Hearings Bureau (Blight Court) at up to $10,000 per violation under MCL 117.4q(7) with no incarceration. Michigan Penal Code MCL 750.552a (Littering) is an additional charging option for smaller deposits. Larger-scale or hazardous dumping is referred to Michigan EGLE under NREPA Part 115 (MCL 324.11501 et seq.) for state enforcement, with administrative orders and civil penalties available. The City may abate and lien-back cleanup costs to the property under MCL 117.4q(11).
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