Warren, MI Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Chapter 16 of the Warren City Code governs residential composting through the curbside collection program rather than through backyard bin specifications. Section 16-2 defines 'compost material' as grass, leaves, weeds, and garden waste that may include vegetable waste, plus light brush under two inches in diameter and four feet long; it does not include household food scraps. Section 16-9 requires that compost material bags be clear, so collectors can identify them as residential compost, and directs the city to set further bag specifications, including the materials used, by ordinance.

Under Section 16-3(b)(c), those clear bags cannot weigh more than 40 pounds gross, and compost placed loose or in an opaque bag is not picked up. Section 16-4(c) separately confirms that 'nothing herein shall prevent any person from gathering leaves for compost, mulch or other gardening purposes,' so backyard composting for personal use is not restricted by the chapter. The city provided the first recyclable and compost collection containers at no charge when the mandatory program began, with replacements sold at a council-set price under Section 16-8(b).

Compost material collected at the curb becomes city property once set out under Section 16-5(a), and unauthorized scavenging of bagged compost is a separate violation.