This chapter shall be entitled "Composting."
The authority for this chapter is New York State Municipal Home
Rule Law § 10 and New York State Village Law § 130.
Municipalities are encouraged under state law to reduce municipal
waste and encourage and promote recycling and residential composting
as an effective means of reducing solid waste and producing soil-enriching
products. Composting has a beneficial impact on the environment by
reducing solid waste and improving soils conditions, and for these
reasons the Village wishes to promote composting and educating Village
residents on effective composting and practices. Improper composting
can attract vermin, create offensive smells, create unsightly conditions
and otherwise have a negative impact on the health and well-being
of the community, and as such, the Village wishes to ensure that proper
composting practices are followed.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
COMPOST
A mixture of primarily vegetative matter, including but not
limited to fallen leaves, woodchips, pine needles, sawdust, grain,
coffee grounds, eggshells, lawn clippings, organic waste, vegetable
matter, and/or fruit matter maintained in a sanitary manner.
COMPOSTING
Decomposition of solid, organic material to produce a stable,
humus-like material.
RESIDENTIAL COMPOSTING
Collection of compost materials, solely from the residential
property where generated, and maintenance on site for noncommercial
purposes, contained in a bin, cage or other similar enclosure designed
for such purpose and which such enclosure complies with this chapter.
The term "residential composting" shall include only single-family
and two-family residential dwellings.
Residential composting is allowed and encouraged on all single-family
and two-family residential properties in all zones in the Village,
subject to the following conditions:
A. Composting is limited to materials generated on the premises.
B. Composting may not include meat, fish, dairy products, treated wood
or dog or cat feces.
C. Compost must be maintained in a sanitary manner which does not create
unreasonable odors or attract vermin or otherwise create a hazard
to the health or enjoyment of neighboring property owners.
D. Compost must be maintained in compost bins. They may be a maximum
of one compost bin, up to 9.5 cubic feet or 100 gallons maximum. Compost
containers acquired from or through the county, as part of a county-sponsored
program will be deemed compliant with this chapter.
E. Compost must be stored in the rear of a residential premises. For
corner properties, the architectural front of the property will be
considered the front.
F. All composting bins must be located at least 10 feet from all property
lines.
G. Allowed agricultural uses shall be exempt from this chapter.
The Village Code Enforcement Department, Code Enforcement Officers
and other agents designated to investigate and/or enforce are authorized
to investigate complaints of violations of this chapter and enforce
this chapter.