Idaho Falls, ID Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Idaho Falls City Code does not contain a stand-alone composting ordinance, and home composting for yard waste and garden use is not prohibited. The governing limits come from the nuisance provisions of Title 5, Chapter 8 (Litter and Weed Control). That chapter defines 'GARBAGE' as putrescible animal/vegetable matter likely to attract flies or rodents, and 'RUBBISH' to include yard trimmings and leaves; section 5-8-9 makes it unlawful and a public nuisance to deposit, store, or allow the accumulation of litter on private property. In practice this means a tidy compost bin or pile using yard waste and vegetable scraps is fine, but a pile that becomes odorous, attracts rodents or flies, or spreads uncontained rubbish onto adjoining property can be cited as a litter or public-nuisance violation. The same chapter's notice-to-abate process (5-8-12) would apply. The City provides regular curbside collection through its Sanitation Division and also offers yard-waste handling and a compost/mulch product to residents, so residents have a municipal alternative to backyard composting. Because the city has no setback, size, or container rules specific to compost, the safe approach is to keep compost contained, away from property lines, and free of meat or other strongly putrescible material that draws pests. Check any HOA covenants separately.