Flint, MI Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Flint's yard-waste/compost program is operated by Priority Waste under the City's solid-waste contract and Chapter 39 of the Flint Code. The 2026 compost season runs April 6 through November 27 (the season ends the week containing November 30 each year); outside that window, yard waste is not collected and must be home-composted, stockpiled, or arranged with a private hauler. Curbside set-out requirements: bags (paper or compost-friendly plastic) or cans 40 gallons or smaller, weighing less than 50 lbs each; up to 20 bags or containers per week. Set out by 7 a.m. on your designated collection day - the SAME day as your regular trash and recycling - but place the yard waste at least 10 FEET away from the grey trash cart and blue recycling cart, because the compost truck is a separate vehicle on a separate route. Accepted materials: grass clippings, leaves, shrub and brush trimmings (with branches up to 6 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet in length). Not accepted: stumps, dirt, sod, rocks, pet waste, food scraps, treated lumber, or any non-organic contaminant - contamination ruins the compost product and may result in a tag-and-skip. The City of Flint distributes free yard-waste bags at Flint City Hall, Mays Senior & Community Center, and McKinley Community Center (up to 3 bags per visit, maximum 2 visits per resident per season, while supplies last). The Bag It! program is coordinated regionally with Genesee County Parks under Keep Genesee County Beautiful. Open burning of leaves and yard waste within the City of Flint is regulated by Michigan EGLE under the Air Pollution Control Rules (R 336.1310) and is generally prohibited in incorporated areas; backyard composting and the curbside program are the preferred alternatives.