Backyard composting is permitted in Phoenix. The city's hot, arid climate requires enclosed bins. Must not create nuisance conditions.
Composting permitted. Use enclosed bins for Arizona climate. Phoenix provides free composting workshops. Avoid open piles attracting pests. Contact Solid Waste at (602) 262-7251. Most residential composting in Phoenix is encouraged rather than regulated: backyard bins and tumblers generally do not require permits as long as they are set back from property lines, kept covered to prevent vectors, and free of meat, dairy, or oils that attract pests. Commercial-scale composting requires state solid-waste permits. Check the City of Phoenix Solid Waste website for curbside green-bin availability and accepted materials, since rules vary by pickup route.
No penalties for composting. Nuisance may trigger Neighborhood Services at (602) 262-7844.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix follows the 2018 Phoenix Building Construction Code Chapter 9 (IBC/IRC) and Ordinance G-5898 (effective April 18, 2014). Smoke alarms are required in...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. PCC Section 23 requires property maint...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs. PCC Secti...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Lighting timing, brightness, and animation are governed by subdivision CC&Rs and HO...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through Planning...
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix has no specific ordinance regulating residential smokers or pellet grills. ADEQ Rule R18-2-219 prohibits visible emissions exceeding 20 percent opaci...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle composting.
See how Phoenix's composting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.