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St. Louis, MO Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Composting requirement
Encouraged, not mandatory
Bin or method standards
None specified in code
Governing chapter
Revised Code Ch. 11.85
Non-composted yard waste
Must go in marked container
Violation penalty
$100-$500 fine, up to 90 days

Summary

St. Louis encourages residents to mulch or compost grass clippings and yard waste at home instead of using city refuse containers, with no permit or bin standard required under the code.

The owners of residential properties who legally use City refuse containers shall also be encouraged to recycle grass clippings and other yard waste by mulching or composting the material in accordance with established regulations and best practices. Any yard waste that cannot be disposed of using environmentally friendly methods shall be collected and placed in refuse containers marked "yard waste only" or in other ways defined under this Chapter 11 of the St. Louis Revised Code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).

Full Breakdown

St. Louis's yard waste ordinance (Ch. 11.85) tells residents who use City refuse containers that they're "encouraged" to mulch or compost grass clippings and other yard waste at home rather than set it out for collection. The code sets no composting method, bin size, or setback requirement: it only requires that yard waste which isn't composted go into a refuse container marked "yard waste only." Private lawn-service haulers can't dump loads from their own trucks or trailers into City-owned yard-waste containers.

Violations & Fines

Violating Chapter 11.85's yard-waste placement and container rules carries a fine of $100 to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, at the court's discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does St. Louis require residents to compost their yard waste?
No. Code § 11.85.020 only encourages residents to mulch or compost grass clippings and yard waste; it sets no mandatory method, bin type, or size.
What must I do with yard waste I don't compost?
Put it in a refuse container marked "yard waste only" for city collection, per St. Louis Revised Code § 11.85.020.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Louis

Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All St. Louis rules

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