Grand Rapids, MI Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- Max bin size
- 64 cubic feet
- Location
- Rear yard only
- Container
- Fully enclosed, commercial-made
- Prohibited inputs
- Meat, bones, grease, cooked food
Summary
Grand Rapids allows residential composting only in a fully enclosed, commercially made bin no larger than 64 cubic feet, kept in the rear yard of an occupied home and never loaded with meat, bones or cooked food.
(a)Residential composting is only permitted on the premises of an occupied residential dwelling.(b)The compost may not contain animal waste, meat, bones, grease, oils, fats, or cooked foods of any kind.(c)The compost must be completely contained in a fully enclosed and commercially manufactured compost receptacle.(d)The compost receptacle must be located in the rear yard of the residential dwelling.(e)The compost receptacle must be kept tightly covered except when opened for deposit or removal of compost materials.(f)The compost receptacle shall have a capacity of no greater than 64 cubic feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).
Full Breakdown
Section 9.108(5) of the Nuisances chapter otherwise treats garbage and rubbish as a public nuisance, but carves out residential composting as an exception when it meets specific conditions: the compost stays on an occupied residential dwelling's property, sits in the rear yard, is fully contained in a commercially manufactured receptacle no bigger than 64 cubic feet, stays tightly covered except when adding or removing material, and never contains animal waste, meat, bones, grease, oils, fats or cooked food. Receptacles can't be built from burlap, tarps, tires or wire.
Violations & Fines
A noncompliant compost pile is a public nuisance under § 9.108; abatement follows the same notice-and-lien process as other property nuisances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I compost in my front yard in Grand Rapids?
How big can my compost bin be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
Compare Grand Rapids to another location·View the Michigan landscaping rules overview
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Composting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle composting.