Composting In Golden Valley

Basics

Composting converts plant material, such as leaves and grass clippings, to a more usable organic soil amendment or mulch. For centuries people have used compost to improve soil conditions for planting crops, gardens, and flower beds. Compost increases organic matter in the soil and adds nutrients for plant growth. It also helps hold moisture in light, sandy soil and improves drainage in heavy soil.

For composting to work, a certain level of microbial activity must be maintained. Organic materials decompose more efficiently if adequate oxygen, moisture, and nitrogen are present. Particle size is also a factor. The smaller the plant particles, the faster they will decompose.

To further speed decomposition, and to minimize odors, compost piles should be turned as they cool (active piles heat to between 130 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit). Turning them once or twice a month should be sufficient.

Golden Valley's Composting Ordinance

Golden Valley's compost ordinance was instituted to help residents follow correct composting procedures and avoid public nuisances that result from improper composting.

Where Permitted

Composting is permitted only on residential properties having up to four dwellings.

What You Can Compost

You may compost yard waste, straw, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, or egg shells generated from the site on which the compost is located. You may add commercially available ingredients specifically designed to speed or enhance decomposition.

What You Can't Compost

You may not compost woody yard waste, meat, bones, fat, oil, whole eggs, dairy products, unshredded branches or logs, weeds heavily laden with seeds, plastics, synthetic fibers, human or pet wastes, diseased plants, or any other garbage or refuse.

Composting Structure

Materials must be contained in a bin that may be constructed of wood, wire mesh, or a combination of wood and wire, or in commercially fabricated compost bins. Only one structure is allowed per lot. Structure must not exceed 500 cubic feet (for example, 10' x 10' x 5') in volume. Maximum height is five feet.

Location

Compost structures must be place in the rear yard of the property at least 5 feet from property line (35 feet if property line is also a street line) and no closer than 40 feet to any habitable building other than the residents home.

Compost Management

Residents are required to use standard compost practices, which include providing adequate air circulation to prevent combustion and objectionable odors to adjacent properties. Composting that results in objectionable odors and/or includes prohibited material is considered a public health nuisance.

Composting Definitions

Yard Waste

Grass/lawn clippings. leaves, weeds, garden waste (tomato vines, carrot tops, cucumber vines, etc), soft-bodied plants (flowers and vegetable plants), hedge or tree trimmings, twigs (1/4-inch diameter maximum), and pine cones and needles.

Woody Yard Waste

Hedge or tree trimmings, twigs, 1/4-inch diameter or greater), or Christmas tree.

Compost (mulch)

A mixture of decayed organic matter.

Composting

An above-ground microbial process that converts yard waste to organic soil or mulch by decomposition of material through an aerobic process that requires adequate oxygen and moisture.

Garden

Ground area for cultivation of flowers, vegetables, or shrubs

Rear Yard

A yard extending across the full width of the property and lying between the rear line of the lot and the nearest line of the principal building.

Yard Waste Programs

The City of Golden Valley sponsors two annual yard waste disposal programs:

Spring Brush Pick-up
A curbside collection of small branches and tree trimmings (approximately 6 feet long and less than 4 inches in diameter). Held the first three weeks in May.
Fall Leaf Drop-off
A temporary disposal site for bagged leaves. Held Fridays and Saturdays the last weekend in October and the first weekend in November.

For More Information

To learn more about composting or lawn care, visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service at www.extension.umn.edu.

To learn more about Golden Valley's composting ordinance or yard waste disposal programs, visit the City's Environmental page, email the City's Environmental Coordinator at alundstrom@ci.golden-valley.mn.us, or call 763-593-8030.