911.19 LOCATION, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF HOUSEHOLD COMPOSTING OPERATIONS.

   (a)    Definitions. As used in this section, certain words and terms are defined as follows:

      (1)    "Composting" means the controlled decomposition of organic solid wastes under aerobic conditions to produce a 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 in which 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 of offensive odors, and which contains less than ten percent (10%) water by weight.

      (4)    "Household composting" means any composting activity conducted by the residents of a one or two-family dwelling, on their property.

      (5)    "Nuisance" means any condition which is or which may be injurious to the health or safety of any person or to the community.

      (6)    "Soil incorporation" means the immediate plowing, disking or chiselling of organic residue 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 vegetable trimmings, or other such materials as have been cooked or altered for human consumption.

   (b)    Exemptions. This section shall not apply to:

      (1)    Any person who is disposing of yard waste by soil incorporation;

      (2)    Any person who is converting yard waste into mulch.

   (c)    Materials that may be Composted. 

      (1)    "Household compost" 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.

      (2)    Fresh animal manures shall not be used in a household compost pile.

      (3)    The use of any type of solid waste in a household compost pile shall be prohibited.

   (d)    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, or that produces offensive and noxious odors, or that causes any form of surface or groundwater pollution, or that attracts wild animals.

   (e)    Location of Household Compost Piles. Household compost piles shall be located:

      (1)   Twenty-five (25) feet from any occupied structure;

      (2)    Five (5) feet from any auxiliary structure;

      (3)    Fifty (50) feet from any private water supply system;

      (4)    Ten ( 10) feet from any private sewage disposal system;

      (5)    Five (5) feet from any lot line;

      (6)    Ten (10) feet from any roadway, alley, or other public right of way;

      (7)    Twenty-five (25) feet from any creek;

      (8)    A household compost pile shall not be constructed in a natural wetland;

      (9)    No compost pile shall be constructed in a front or side yard.

   (f)    Construction of Household Compost Pile.

      (1)    Household composting shall be permitted only within containers that have been designed and constructed specifically for that purpose.

      (2)    The container for household compost shall be sturdy, and shall be constructed of a durable, nonporous, cleanable material.

      (3)    The container for household compost piles shall be designed to minimize access to the compost by animals, rodents, and insects.

      (4)    Household compost piles shall have adequate natural drainage, such that any liquids generated by the decomposing yard waste shall be absorbed into the soil.

   (g)    Maintenance of Household Compost Piles.

      (1)    Household compost piles shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.

      (2)    Household compost piles shall be turned as frequently as necessary to dissipate heat and to promote uniform decomposition of the yard waste.

      (3)    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)    Penalty. Whoever violates this section is guilty of illegal household composting, a minor misdemeanor. Each day that the offense is committed shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 93-64. Passed 9-28-93.)