Bloomington, IL Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Bloomington City Code Chapter 21, Article VII governs backyard composting citywide. Section 21-701 sets four conditions that all must be met: the compost must be contained in an approved bin, consist only of approved organic material, be properly maintained, and be properly located on the property. Section 21-702 restricts the feedstock to material actually grown on the property holding the bin: leaves, wood chips and twigs, raw fruit or raw vegetable waste, sawdust, cornstalks, and grass clippings. Bringing in organic material from another property, or using store-purchased material, is not permitted for composting under this article.

Section 21-703 requires every compost bin to sit in the rear of the property, at least three feet from both the side and rear property lines, and screened so it cannot be viewed from the street. Section 21-704 places the burden of odor control on the property owner: compost must be properly maintained so as to prevent any odor, and the owner bears that responsibility regardless of who built or uses the bin. Section 21-705 makes any composting that departs from these placement, material, or maintenance rules a violation of the article.

Enforcement runs through Chapter 21, Article IX: the Code Official may direct abatement by written notice, and unresolved violations can be abated by the City with the cost, plus an administrative fee, charged to the owner and recorded as a lien on the property under 65 ILCS 5/11-20-13.