Waukegan, IL Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

03-1 lists the Compost Bin as an allowed ("A") accessory use, meaning no building permit is required, in the CR, R1 through R5, B1, B2, B4, L1, L2, and L3 districts; the use is not listed for B3 and other nonresidential districts. 11 sets three operating standards. First, compost bins are allowed in the rear yard only, so a bin cannot be placed in a front or side yard. Second, the compost must be contained in a fully enclosed receptacle fitted with a tightly fitted lid, ruling out open piles or uncovered bins.

Third, bins must be maintained in a sanitary condition so they do not become a nuisance, and the ordinance specifically bars composting sewage, meat, bones, or grease. C, it is enforced the same way as other accessory structure violations, through the City's zoning and code enforcement process rather than a standalone environmental ordinance. There is no numeric size cap on the bin itself, only the enclosure, location, and content restrictions listed in the three subsections.