Sterling Heights, MI Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Compost piles shall be located only in a rear yard a minimum of three feet from any lot line and 15 feet from any residence located on adjacent property as depicted on Diagram A; (See diagram following § 45-4.)

(2) Compost piles and compost bins shall not exceed five feet in height and 125 cubic feet in volume. On lots smaller than 12,500 square feet, the total volume of compost shall not exceed 125 cubic feet;

(3)   Compost may contain only lawn debris, yard waste, coffee grounds, tea leaves, raw vegetables or fruit scraps in a form suitable for composting. Horse manure or commercial compost additives may be included as part of a compost pile. Compost shall not contain meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, manure (except horse manure), oils, fats or any of the permitted items in a form unsuitable for composting;

(4)   Compost containing any coffee grounds, tea leaves, raw vegetables, fruit scraps or horse manure shall be kept in a compost bin;

(5)   Compost piles and compost bins shall be maintained to prevent the attraction and harborage of rodents and pests and to prevent unpleasant odors.

(B)   Compost piles and compost bins which do not conform to this section shall constitute a nuisance per se and may be abated by order of a court of competent jurisdiction in addition to any other applicable penalties.

(C)   Compost piles and compost bins which constitute a nuisance may be