(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) 'Composting' means the controlled aerobic biological decomposition of organic waste material. (3) 'Composting facility' has the meaning stated in § 9–1701 of the Environment Article. (4) 'Local jurisdiction' means the county or municipality where the homeowners association is located. (b) A recorded covenant or restriction, a provision in a declaration, or a provision in the bylaws or rules of a homeowners association may not prohibit or unreasonably restrict a lot owner from: (1) Composting organic waste materials for the lot owner’s personal or household use, provided that the lot owner: (i) Owns or has the right to exclusive use of the area where the composting is conducted; and (ii) Observes all laws, ordinances, and regulations of the State and local jurisdiction that pertain to composting; or (2) Contracting with a private entity to collect organic waste materials from the lot owner for composting at a composting facility. (c) A recorded covenant or restriction, a provision in a declaration, or a provision in the bylaws or rules of a homeowners association that unreasonably impedes the ability of a composting facility. (c) A recorded covenant or restriction, a provision in a declaration, or a provision in the bylaws or rules of a homeowners association that unreasonably impedes the ability of a private entity to access the common elements for the purpose of collecting organic waste materials from a lot owner shall be interpreted as a restriction on the lot owner’s right to contract for private composting services under subsection (b)(2) of this section.
Maryland Legal Code