Flint, MI Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Bag/container type
- Paper bag or open container
- Max capacity
- 32 gallons
- Branch limit
- Under 4 ft, 2 in diameter
- Violation class
- Municipal civil infraction
Summary
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.
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 paper bags with a maximum capacity of 32 gallons or an open container with a maximum capacity of 32 gallons, or as required by the City's landfill and/or compost contractor.
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's Code of Ordinances defines COMPOST at § 39-2 as organic materials grown on the property for disposal, grass clippings, garden debris, weeds, leaves, and branches or tree trimmings under four feet long and two inches in diameter, excluding stumps, agricultural or animal wastes, sewage sludge, and garbage. Under § 39-18.1, all compost material set out for City collection must be placed in paper bags with a maximum 32-gallon capacity or an open container of the same size, or as otherwise required by the City's landfill or compost contractor. Violating the placement rule is a municipal civil infraction under § 39-18.2.
Violations & Fines
Setting out yard waste in an oversized container, a plastic bag, or otherwise outside § 39-18.1's paper-bag/32-gallon rule is a municipal civil infraction under § 39-18.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put yard waste out in a plastic bag in Flint?
What counts as compost material for Flint pickup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
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