Village of Argyle, WI Article I Composting

[Adopted 12-7-2005 as Title 8, Ch. 1, Sec. 8-1-10, of the 2005 Village Code]

§ 550-1 Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this article is to promote the recycling of yard wastes and certain kitchen wastes through composting and to establish minimum standards for proper compost maintenance.

§ 550-2 Definitions.

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

COMPOSTING

The organic waste produced from the growing, trimming and removal of grass, branches (not exceeding one inch in diameter), bushes, shrubs, plants, leaves and garden debris. Kitchen waste shall be any uncooked plant matter not contaminated by or containing meat, fish and/or dairy products.

§ 550-3 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 42 inches.

B. All compost bins shall be so maintained as to prevent the attraction or harborage of rodents and pests. The presence of rodents in or near a compost bin shall be cause for the Village to proceed under Chapter 497, Rodent Control, of the Code of the Village.

C. All compost bins shall be so maintained as to prevent unpleasant odors.

D. No compost bin shall be allowed to deteriorate to such condition as to be a blighting influence on the surrounding property or neighborhood or the Village in general.

E. Setbacks.

(1) All compost bins shall be located not less than three feet from a property line or principal building or dwelling and three feet from any detached accessory building.

(2) A variance from these setback requirements may be applied for if the property owner(s) can show a hardship exists which prohibits compliance. In addition, any variance application must include a signed written approval of the variance request from the adjacent property owner(s). Variances can be granted by the Building Inspector on an annual basis upon the proper application being submitted by the property owner(s). Screening and/or fencing of compost bins may be required as a condition of a variance being granted.

F. No compost bin shall be located in any yard except a rear yard, as defined in the Village Zoning Code (see Chapter 715). A compost bin may be located in a side yard as defined in the Village Zoning Code subject to the annual variance procedure contained in Subsection E(2) above and must be screened from view to the street.

G. Those composting bins which existed prior to the adoption of this article shall be given one year to comply with the requirements set forth herein.

§ 550-4 Ingredients.

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

(1) Lake weeds.

(2) Cooked food scraps of any kind or type.

(3) Fish, meat or other animal products.

(4) Manure.

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

B. Permitted ingredients in a compost bin shall include the following:

(1) Yard waste.

(2) Coffee grounds and used tea leaves.

(3) Uncooked plant matter not contaminated by or containing meat, fish and/or dairy products.

(4) Commercial compost additives.

§ 550-5 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.

§ 550-6 Municipal exception.

Any municipal composting site maintained by the Village shall be exempt from the provisions of this article.