Fishers, IN Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

A review of the Fishers Code of Ordinances found no provision banning or specially regulating residential backyard composting. Indiana state rules are the main framework. Under IDEM's regulations, individuals who compost vegetative matter and other organic material on their own property are exempt from the composting-facility registration requirement that applies to larger operations. Indiana Code 13-20-9 bans disposal of yard waste in solid-waste landfills (with exceptions for grass and small contained woody matter under three feet), which encourages on-site composting and mulching of leaves and yard trimmings. While Fishers itself does not mandate composting, its UDO landscape-maintenance standard (§ 6.7.3.J.2) requires that 'all landscaped areas shall be free of weeds, litter, graffiti, and similar signs of deferred maintenance,' and § 95.10 et seq. address public-nuisance vegetation; a poorly managed compost pile that becomes odorous, attracts vermin, or spills into the public way could draw a general nuisance or property-maintenance concern. Owners should keep compost contained, away from property lines and the right-of-way, and free of prohibited materials. For yard-waste collection specifics, residents should check the Fishers trash and yard-waste service and IDEM guidance. Always confirm current rules with the city before establishing a large or commercial-scale composting operation.