Even once a municipality has reduced zoning barriers (see the previous background memorandum), community composters may still encounter regulatory barriers—such as nuisance determinations—at both the municipal and state levels that can hinder their ability to establish and sustain operations. The NRDC/ELI/ILSR Model Municipal Ordinance on Advancing Community Composting is intended to remove unreasonable regulatory barriers to and provide opportunities for community composting. This Background Memorandum provides background information and key context to accompany the Model Ordinance. For a deeper dive, check out this blog.
Also check out the accompanying resources: (1) Model Ordinance with Commentaries, (2) Model Ordinance without Commentaries, (3) Model Resolution, and (4) Slide Presentation.
This resource is part of a broader effort by ELI’s Center for State and Local Governance to develop adaptable model governance tools that make it easier for state and local governments in the United States to advance climate, environmental, and waste reduction solutions. You can find the full suite of model governance tools here.