- Landlord & Tenant Law, Legal Updates
- Illinois
On October 16, 2025, a new Chicago ordinance (SO2025-0018160) took effect that updates the city’s rules around composting and organic waste.
Under the new rules, landlords and rental property managers cannot enforce building policies that effectively prohibit tenants from:
- Composting in their units
- Collecting organic waste for drop-off at composting facilities
- Contracting with a licensed private entity for compost removal
These activities are permitted so long as the collection is done in fully enclosed, odor- and pest-controlled containers. The ordinance still allows landlords to impose “reasonable restrictions” on composting practices.
Legal Changes & Requirements
Here’s a summary of the new Chicago ordinance and the legal requirements:
- Ban on “unreasonable restrictions” – You may no longer have blanket prohibitions against tenants composting or contracting for compost haul away if done properly. Rules must be reasonable (e.g. container standards) to be enforceable.
- Enclosed, sealed containers required – Compost collection containers can’t have openings larger than ¼ inch, must control odor, pests, and be leak-resistant.
- Exposure to legal challenge – Tenants can seek injunctive or declaratory relief if their rights under the ordinance are violated.
- Permit exemptions for small operations – If composting is done on-site and within prescribed limits, a permit may not be required.
- City enforcement authority – Noncompliant composting operations (especially those causing nuisance) can face fines ($300–$600 per offense) and orders to halt or remedy.
- Landlord enforcement authority – Tenant composting practices that do not comply with building rules may result in violation notices or fines, or a termination notice and eviction.
The full ordinance can be found here: https://chicityclerkelms.chicago.gov/Matter/?matterId=8A145AF9-594C-F011-8779-001DD8069091
Landlords / Property Managers Best Practices
To prepare for the new Chicago composting ordinance and stay compliant, consider the following steps:
- Review your lease agreements, and community rules to ensure they don’t conflict with the ordinance (ex. blanket bans on composting or organic waste collection).
- Adopt rules regulating tenant’s individua composting practices and consider fine schedules for violations.
- Train onsite staff and inform tenants about proper handling of compostable waste so that property operations stay clean, safe, and compliant.
- Monitor tenants’ composting setup for odors, pests, or problems, and address them promptly with violations notices.
Legal Resource
Questions about composting requirements or other landlord legal concerns? Please call 855-537-0500 or visit www.ksnlaw.com.
Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
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