Model Municipal Ordinance on Advancing Community Composting: With Commentaries

Author
Linda Breggin
Darby Hoover
Brenda Platt
Taalin RaoShah
Leah Fattor
Sophia Jones
Julia Spector
Date Released
June 2025
Model Municipal Ordinance on Advancing Community Composting: With Commentaries

Even once a municipality has reduced zoning barriers (see the previous model), 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. The version with commentaries includes analysis, examples, and alternative approaches. For a deeper dive, check out this blog.

Also check out the accompanying resources: (1) Model Ordinance without Commentaries, (2) Background Memorandum, (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.