Regulation of Compost Piles.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 79-12.5
in effect79-12.5. Regulation of Compost Piles.
1. COMPOST PILES. Compost piles shall consist primarily of yard waste. The following items are specifically prohibited from inclusion in any compost pile:
a. Oils, grease and lard.
b. Dairy or meat products.
c. Feces - human, dog, cat or bird.
d. Diseased plant waste.
e. Poisonous substances.
f. Treated lumber, sawdust from treated lumber.
g. Materials that have been treated with chemicals.
h. Inorganic material.
2. 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.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH79.pdf#page=12Fetched: 10/26/2026