Edison, NJ Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- Compost pile status
- Excluded from "refuse" if food-free
- Nuisance trigger
- Health hazard or nuisance
- Bin/size standard
- None set by code
- Governing sections
- § 15-1.5 and § 12-7.1(g)
Summary
Edison Township exempts a compost pile free of discarded foodstuffs from the property maintenance code's refuse definition, but a compost that becomes a health hazard or nuisance can still be cited.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, a compost pile free of discarded foodstuffs shall not be deemed to be "refuse" or "rubbish." UNREGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLE Shall mean a motor vehicle without a valid and current State inspection sticker. VACANT PROPERTY Shall mean any building commercial or residential which is not legally occupied or at which substantially all lawful construction operations or residential occupancy has ceased, and which is in such condition that it cannot legally be reoccupied without repair or rehabilitation; provided however, that any property that contains all building systems in working order and is being actively marketed by its owner for sale or rental, shall not be deemed vacant. All commercial and residential properties that meet the aforementioned criteria and are subject to a summons and complaint in an action for foreclosure shall be deemed vacant property in accordance with P.L. 2014, c. 35. Property deemed to be "abandoned property" in accordance with the meaning of such term in the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act, N.J.S.A. 55:19-78 et seq., shall also be deemed to be vacant property for purposes of this section. VACANT AND ABANDONED COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY shall mean a commercial or residential property which is not occupied and at least two of the following conditions exist:
a. Overgrown or neglected vegetation;
b. The accumulation of the newspapers, circulars, flyers or mail on the property;
c.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904708; v19 updated 2026-03-25; through 03-25-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under § 15-1.5, a compost pile free of discarded foodstuffs is not classified as "refuse" or "rubbish" for property-maintenance purposes, so it doesn't trigger the Property Maintenance Code's removal requirements. Separately, § 12-7.1(g) of the Health Regulations chapter lists compost as a nuisance only "in cases where they may prove either a health hazard or a nuisance," meaning food scraps or foul-smelling piles that draw insects or rodents can still be cited and ordered abated by the Division of Health under § 12-7.5. Edison sets no bin design, size or setback standard for residential composting.
Violations & Fines
A compost pile that turns into a health hazard or nuisance can be cited under § 12-7.1(g) and ordered abated on notice from the Division of Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard compost bin in Edison?
Can the Township make me remove my compost pile?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Edison
Compare Edison to another location·View the New Jersey landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.