Number
010404
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. PAWLINSKI
Title
A substitute ordinance regulating compost piles.
Sections
79-1-2.5 rc
79-1-12-i rc
79-12.5 cr
Analysis
This ordinance establishes the following regulations for compost piles:
Compost piles may consist only of yard waste. The following items are specifically prohibited from inclusion in a compost pile:
1. Cooked or uncooked food scraps.
2. Fish, meat or other animal products.
3. Human or animal feces.
4. Egg shells.
The provisions of this ordinance relating to the content of compost piles shall not apply to piles kept by persons who have successfully completed composting programs offered by various local organizations.
Compost piles must be contained in composting bins which must be:
1. No taller than 5 feet and the total volume of all composting bins on a property must not exceed 125 cubic feet.
2. Constructed of commercial-grade material.
3. Built with a hood that permits the venting of gasses without permitting the entrance of rodents.
4. Maintained so as to inhibit the entrance of rodents, flying insects and other pests.
5. Maintained with proper composting techniques.
6. Placed no less than 20 feet from any habitable structure and may not be placed in front yards.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 79-1-2.5 of the code is repealed and recreated to read:
79-1. Definitions.
2.5. COMPOSTING means the controlled biological reduction of yard waste to humus.
Part 2. Section 79-1-12-i of the code is repealed and recreated to read:
12. SOLID WASTE consists of the following categories:
i. Yard waste is leaves, grass clippings, garden debris and brush.
Part 3. Section 79-12.5 of the code is created to read:
79-12.5. Regulation of Compost Piles.
1. COMPOST PILES. Compost piles shall consist only of yard waste. The following items are specifically prohibited from inclusion in a compost pile:
a. Cooked or uncooked food scraps.
b. Fish, meat or other animal products.
c. Human or animal feces.
d. Egg shells.
2. MASTER COMPOSTERS. The provisions of sub. 1 shall not apply to piles kept by persons who have successfully completed any of the composting programs offered by the University of Wisconsin - Extension, Havenwoods State Forest or the River Edge Nature Group.
3. COMPOSTING BINS. All compost piles shall be contained in composting bins.
a. Composting bins shall meet the following specifications:
a-1. Each bin shall be no taller than 5 feet and the total volume of all bins on a property shall not exceed 125 cubic feet.
a-2. Each bin shall be constructed of commercial-grade material such as heavy-duty plastic, cinderblock, brick, wood or of such other materials as may be approved by the commissioner.
a-3. Each bin shall be built with a hood that permits the venting of gasses without permitting the entrance of rodents.
a-4. Each bin shall be maintained so as to inhibit the entrance of rodents, flying insects and other pests.
a-5. Each bin shall be maintained using proper composting techniques including, but not limited to, timely aeration, soil addition and the monitoring of moisture content.
b. Composting bins shall not be placed in front yards and shall be placed no less than 20 feet from any habitable structure.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
_________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date:_____________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date:____________________
Requestor
Drafter
LRB01153-5
jro
08/02/01