Flint, MI Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- First offense fine
- $250
- Second offense fine
- $350
- Third+ offense fine
- $500
- Max jail time
- 90 days
- Vehicle used to dump
- Subject to seizure
Summary
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.
(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 and is subject to a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or the following fines: (1) First offense, $250.00; (2) Second offense, $350.00; and (3) Third and each additional offense, $500.00.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2016 Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 3821, passed 3-1-2012).
Full Breakdown
Flint Code of Ordinances § 39-1 makes it unlawful to dump, deposit, or leave rubbish, refuse, compost, garbage, construction waste, auto bodies, tires or other waste on any property in the City unless the site is properly licensed as a dumping site or a permit has been obtained. Illegal dumping is declared a public nuisance, and vehicles used to facilitate it can be seized and impounded by police on probable cause. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail plus escalating fines: $250 for a first offense, $350 for a second, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense, with courts also able to order restitution and community-service cleanup labor.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping is a misdemeanor: up to 90 days in jail plus $250 (first offense), $350 (second), or $500 (third and beyond); vehicles used in the dumping may be seized and impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as illegal dumping in Flint?
Can Flint seize a vehicle used for illegal dumping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
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