Sedona, AZ Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- Compost exemption
- Must be fully contained, wildlife-inaccessible
- Open pile
- Counts as prohibited 'edible material'
- Exception voided
- If pile attracts wildlife anyway
- Required fix
- Modify, contain, or stop the activity
- Penalty if cited
- $150.00-$500.00 escalating fine scale
Summary
Sedona has no standalone composting ordinance, but its wildlife-feeding law exempts "compost piles that are fully contained and made inaccessible to wildlife" from the citywide ban on feeding or attracting wildlife under SCC § 6.15.040(G). An open or accessible pile loses that exemption and becomes a violation.
“Edible material” means any human or animal food, food by-product, animal carcasses, salt, organic material, refuse, garbage or water. ... This chapter does not apply to: ... ... G. Compost piles that are fully contained and made inaccessible to wildlife. ... The exceptions do not apply to any person who knows or has reason to know that an activity is attracting wildlife other than birds or tree squirrels. To avoid a violation, a person shall modify placement of any edible material, immediately cease the activity, or take such actions as the situation may require.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Initiative Ordinance 2026-01, approved by voters at the July 21, 2026 election).
Full Breakdown
15, Outdoor Feeding and Protection of Wildlife. 020. 040(G) exempts compost from that ban only when the pile is "fully contained and made inaccessible to wildlife," so a closed bin design that keeps bears, javelina, or coyotes out satisfies the code, while an open, unenclosed pile does not. " The code sets no bin dimensions, materials, or turning schedule, unlike a dedicated composting ordinance; the only substantive standard is the containment and wildlife-inaccessibility test. 060.
Violations & Fines
A compost pile that draws wildlife loses its § 6.15.040(G) exception and is treated as a feeding violation: a first citation is a written warning under § 6.15.080(A), a second within 90 days carries a civil fine up to $150.00, a third within 180 days runs $150.00 to $500.00, and repeat offenders face a class 3 misdemeanor. Each day an attracting pile remains uncorrected can count as a separate offense under § 6.15.070.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an open compost pile in my Sedona backyard?
What if my sealed compost bin still attracts javelina?
Are there city rules on compost bin size or materials?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedona
Compare Sedona to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.