Village of Whitefish Bay, WI Article VII Composting

[Adopted as Sec. 10.14 of the Codification]

§ 10-34 Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this article is to promote the recycling of green grass clippings and yard wastes through composting, and to establish minimum standards for proper compost maintenance and operation.

§ 10-35 Definitions.

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

COMPOSTING

A controlled biological reduction of organic wastes to humus. "Yard waste" and "green grass clippings" shall be defined as in § 10-5.

§ 10-36 Maintenance.

All compost piles shall be maintained using approved composting procedures to comply with the following requirements:

A. All compost piles shall be enclosed in a freestanding compost bin. Each compost bin shall be no larger in volume than 125 cubic feet and shall be no taller than five feet.

B. All compost piles and bins shall be so maintained as to prevent the attraction or harborage of rodents, other animal pests or insects. The presence of rodents in or near a compost pile or bin shall be cause for proceeding by the Health Department or Building Inspector.

C. All compost piles and bins shall be so maintained as to prevent odors which will annoy and disturb persons of normal olfactory sensitivity.

D. All compost piles or bins shall be located not less than three feet from a property line or dwelling.

E. No compost pile or bin shall be located in any yard except a rear yard.

F. On a corner lot, no compost pile or bin shall be located less than 10 feet from the property line adjacent to a street.

§ 10-37 Ingredients.

A. No compost bin shall contain any of the following:

(1) Lake weeds;

(2) Cooked or uncooked food scraps or oil and grease, except coffee grounds and tea leaves;

(3) Fish, meat, dairy products or other animal products;

(4) Carnivorous manure;

(5) Large items that will impede the composting process.

B. Permitted ingredients in a compost bin shall include, in appropriate quantities:

(1) Yard waste;

(2) Raw vegetables and fruit scraps;

(3) Horse, sheep and cow manure;

(4) Commercial compost additives;

(5) Coffee grounds and tea leaves.

§ 10-38 Owner responsibility.

Every owner or operator shall be responsible for maintaining all property under his or her control in accordance with the requirements of this article.

§ 10-39 Violations and penalties.

Any person violating this article shall be subject to a forfeiture as provided for in § 10-81.