Pittsburgh, PA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback
- At least 1 ft. from property lines
- Container
- Bin, pad, brick, block, wood, or mesh
- Zoning use
- Urban Agriculture under § 912.07
- Banned materials
- Meat, dairy, oil, plastics, pet waste
Summary
Pittsburgh classifies composting as urban agriculture under its zoning code and requires compost structures to sit at least one foot from property lines, contained in a bin or defined pad, with drainage and pest controls.
Composting activities are classified as Urban Agriculture in Section 912.07 of the Pittsburgh Zoning Code. Any and all composting activities, including residential accessory use permitted by right as described in Section 912.02, must comply with the following criteria:
(a) Size and Placement. Compost structures shall be set back at least one (1) foot from all property lines. Organic materials must be located in a defined area (such as a composting pad) or bin through the use of brick or cement block; wood and/or wire mesh; or bins or drums made of plastic or metal.
(b) Standard Composting Practices. Standard composting practices, as outlined in the Department of Environmental Protection's Permit #WMGM017 section II OPERATIONS, are required, including, but not limited to, providing adequate air circulation and moisture to prevent combustion and objectionable odors to adjacent properties.
(c) Drainage. The compost site shall be operated in a manner which prevents the drainage of water or leachate onto any neighboring property and protects against the attraction of rodents or other pests.
(d) Prohibited Materials. Composting activities may not include: meat, bones, fat, oil, whole eggs, dairy products, plastics, synthetic fibers, diseased plants, or human, cat, or dog wastes or other such materials determined by the Director.
Full Breakdown
Under Pittsburgh Code § 619.14, composting is classified as an urban agriculture use, and residential accessory composting permitted by right under § 912.02 must meet the same standards. Compost bins or piles must sit at least one foot back from all property lines and be contained in a defined pad or bin built of brick, cement block, wood, wire mesh, or plastic or metal drums. Operators must follow standard composting practices under DEP Permit #WMGM017, keep the site properly aerated and moist to prevent odors, and prevent drainage onto neighboring properties. Meat, bones, fat, oil, whole eggs, dairy, plastics, synthetic fibers, diseased plants, and pet or human waste are banned from the pile.
Violations & Fines
Composting violations fall under Chapter 619's enforcement schedule: $50 for a first violation at a single-family home (up to $500 for repeat violations), $100 for multi-family buildings, and $1,000 for commercial sites, with each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to compost at home in Pittsburgh?
How far must a compost bin be from my property line?
What can't go in a Pittsburgh compost pile?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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