(a) Definitions.
(1) “Composting” means the controlled decomposition of organic solid wastes under aerobic conditions to produce relatively stable, inert material that may be incorporated into the soil without producing any adverse impact to the soil or to the public health.
(2) “Compost pile” means the place where composting occurs.
(3) “Compost” means the product of the composting process. “Compost” is characterized as chemically and biologically altered organic material which has become chemically stable, which decomposes slowly, which is free from offensive odors, and which contains less than ten percent (10%) water by weight.
(4) “Household composting” means any composting activity conducted by the residents on their property.
(5) “Nuisance” means any condition which is or may be injurious to the health or safety of any person or to the community.
(6) “Soil incorporation” means the immediate plowing, disking, or tilling of compost into the soil.
(7) “Solid waste” means the unwanted residue of domestic, commercial, and industrial activity. “Solid waste” includes, but is not limited to, garbage, trash, tires, refuse, and construction and demolition waste.
(8) “Yard waste” or “green waste” means the residue generated from lawns, shrubs, gardens, and other such vegetation. “Yard waste” may include grass clippings, shrub trimmings, brush, garden waste and tree waste. “Yard waste” does not include materials that have been cooked or altered for human consumption, such as meat, bones, pastas, etc.
(b) Exemptions. This section does not apply to any person who is disposing of yard waste through soil incorporation and any person who is converting yard waste into mulch.
(c) Location of Household Compost Piles. Household compost piles shall be permitted within the residential-single family, residential multi-family or upon any single or multi-family lot within any zoning district of the Village, shall be located in the back yard, and shall be screened or fenced so that it is not readily visible. Household compost piles shall be located a minimum of three feet from any lot line; and a minimum of thirty feet from any occupied abutting structure; a minimum of fifty feet from any private water supply system; a minimum of ten feet from any private sewage disposal system; and a minimum of fifty feet from any natural water course. A household compost pile shall not be constructed on a natural wetland.
(d) Materials That May Be Composted. “Household composting” may consist of ground, shredded or chopped yard waste, including, but not limited to, grass clippings, shrub trimmings, wood chips, leaves, herbaceous garden waste, brush, and other such materials. The composting of vegetable parings and trimmings, egg shells and coffee grounds may be composted. The composting of any forms of kitchen waste, such as prepared food waste, meat scraps, bones, or other similar materials shall be prohibited. Fresh animal manure shall not be used in a household compost pile. The use of any type of solid waste in a household compost pile shall be prohibited.
(e) Prohibition Against Creating a Public Health Nuisance. No person shall create or maintain a household compost pile in such a manner that it becomes a rodent or insect harborage, produces offensive and noxious odors or causes any form of surface or groundwater pollution.
(f) Construction of a Household Compost Pile. Household composting shall be permitted only within containers that have been designed and constructed specifically for that purpose. The container for household compost shall be sturdy and shall be constructed of a durable, nonporous cleanable material and shall be designed to minimize access by animals, rodents and insects. Any container for household composts shall minimally be constructed in the following dimensions: thirty-six inches by thirty-six inches by thirty-six inches and shall not exceed a maximum dimension of sixty inches by sixty inches by sixty inches. Household compost piles shall have adequate natural drainage, such that any natural liquids generated by the decomposing yard waste shall be absorbed into the soil.
(g) Maintenance of Household Compost Piles. Household compost piles shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner, shall be turned as frequently as necessary to dissipate heat and promote uniform decomposition of the yard waste. Household compost piles that are producing offensive odors shall be removed. The residue shall be properly disposed at a licensed solid waste disposal facility.
(h) Enforcement. The Building Department shall have the power to write citations to enforce this section along with the usual enforcement agents.
(i) Violation. A violation of this section shall be a minor misdemeanor.
(Ord. 93-31. Passed 1-24-94.)