Colorado Springs, CO Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Sec. 101 defines COMPOST as 'a mixture consisting of decayed organic matter used for fertilizing and conditioning land,' and Sec. ' Compost kept 'in compliance with the standards set forth in this article' is expressly carved out of the WASTE-container rules, it is not treated as 'attractant waste,' the category that triggers the City's separate Bear Management Area container rules for food scraps and grease west of I-25. The protection has a limit: Sec. 104(D) also requires that accumulated compost 'shall not be in a condition which is dangerous to the public health, safety and welfare,' and Sec.

' The Code spells out what crosses that line, 'strong offensive odors or the presence of mice, rats, vermin or rodents', language written specifically for compost, not general trash. A pile that draws rodents or reeks strongly enough to annoy neighbors loses its Sec. 104(D) protection and becomes an improper accumulation the Administrator can pursue under Sec. 105's nuisance-abatement process: written notice and order, a correction period, and a ten-day window to appeal to the Municipal Court Referee before the City can abate it by contractor.