[R.O. 2005 §13-48; CC 1997 §13-48]
The purpose of this Article is to promote the recycling of yard wastes through composting and to establish minimum standards for proper compost maintenance.
[R.O. 2005 §13-49]
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have these prescribed meanings:
COMPOSTING
The controlled biological reduction of organic wastes to humus.
YARD WASTE
Leaves, grass clippings, yard and garden vegetation and Christmas trees. The term does not include stumps, roots or shrubs with intact root balls.
[R.O. 2005 §13-50; CC 1997 §13-50]
Loose yard wastes not capable of being bundled shall be stored in containers so constructed and maintained as to prevent the dispersal of wastes placed therein upon the premises served, upon adjacent premises or upon adjacent public rights-of-way, except when such material is composted in accordance with Section 230.440 of this Article. The weight of any individual container and contents shall not exceed fifty (50) pounds.
[R.O. 2005 §13-51; CC 1997 §13-51]
No person shall engage in the business of collecting, transporting, processing or disposing of yard waste within the corporate limits of the City without first obtaining an annual permit or franchise from the City pursuant to Section 230.050; provided however, that this provision shall not be deemed to apply to employees of the holder of any such permit, nor to persons composting on their own property in compliance with the provisions of Section 230.430 of this Article. Persons composting their own yard wastes in accordance with Section 230.430 of this Article are exempt from the provisions of this Section.
[R.O. 2005 §13-52; CC 1997 §13-52]
A. 
All compost piles shall be maintained using approved composting procedures to comply with the following requirements:
1. 
All compost piles shall be enclosed in a freestanding compost bin. Each compost bin shall be no larger in volume than seventy-five (75) cubic feet for properties ten thousand (10,000) square feet and less in size, with an additional seventy-five (75) cubic feet permitted for each additional ten thousand (10,000) square feet of space. Compost bins shall be no taller than five (5) feet.
2. 
All compost piles shall be maintained so as to prevent the attraction or harborage of rodents and pests. The presence of rodents in or near a compost pile shall be cause for the City to issue a complaint.
3. 
All compost piles shall be maintained so as to prevent unpleasant, rotten egg like, sour or pungent odors.
4. 
Unless written permission has been granted by the adjoining property owner, no compost pile shall be located less than ten (10) feet from the rear property line, ten (10) feet from the side property line and within fifteen (15) feet of any home, patio, pool or similar structure on the adjacent property. All compost piles shall be at least ten (10) feet behind the actual rear building line.
5. 
No compost pile shall be located where it will impede the natural free flow of storm water drainage.
[R.O. 2005 §13-53; CC 1997 §13-53]
A. 
No compost pile shall contain any of the following:
1. 
Lake weeds.
2. 
Food scraps.
3. 
Fish, fowl, meat or other animal products.
4. 
Manure.
5. 
Animal carcasses.
6. 
Fruits, vegetables or nuts.
7. 
Items not normally composted.
B. 
Permitted ingredients shall include:
1. 
Yard waste.
2. 
Commercial compost additives.
3. 
Wood chips.
[R.O. 2005 §13-54; CC 1997 §13-54]
Compost piles established in accordance with this Section are for private use only. There shall be no commercial provision of material to be composted or commercial use of the product of such composting.
[R.O. 2005 §13-55; CC 1997 §13-55]
Every owner or operator shall be responsible for maintaining all property under his/her control in accordance with the requirements of this Article.
[R.O. 2005 §13-56; CC 1997 §13-56]
Any person, firm or corporation violating any provisions of this Article shall upon conviction be subject to the general penalties set for in Section 100.110 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ellisville.