Madison's Trash & Recycling: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles trash & recycling a little differently. In Madison, Wisconsin, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Madison Streets Division provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection to single-family and small multi-family properties. Set out carts by 7 AM on collection day. Large apartment buildings use private haulers.

Key details: Code: MGO Chapter 10. Agency: Streets Division. Set Out: By 7 AM collection day. Trash: Weekly pickup. Recycling: Every other week.

Improperly set carts, early set-out, late retrieval, or overfilled carts may receive warning tags and ultimately citations under MGO 10.18.

Bin Placement Rules

Carts must be placed at the curb or alley with wheels toward the house and 3 feet of clearance from obstructions, vehicles, and other carts. Set out no earlier than 4 PM the day before and remove within 24 hours.

Key details: Clearance: 3 feet all sides. Orientation: Wheels toward house. Earliest Set-Out: 4 PM day before. Retrieval: Within 24 hours. Location: Curb or alley edge.

Improper placement may delay or prevent collection. Repeated violations can result in warning tags and municipal citations.

Bulk Item Disposal

Madison offers large item pickup by appointment for furniture, mattresses, and appliances. Some items require stickers or drop-off at Streets Division sites. Electronics and hazardous waste go to Dane County Clean Sweep.

Key details: Appointment: Required for pickup. Drop-Off Sites: Sycamore and Badger Rd. Appliances: Freon items extra fee. Electronics: Banned from landfill (WI 287.17). Hazardous Waste: Dane County Clean Sweep.

Illegal dumping of bulk items on public property or in alleys is prohibited under MGO 10.18 and carries substantial fines.

Recycling Requirements

Madison mandates recycling under Wisconsin Statute 287 and MGO Chapter 10. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and rigid plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5. No plastic bags in carts.

Key details: State Law: WI Stat. 287 mandate. Plastics: Numbers 1, 2, and 5. Frequency: Every other week. No Bags: Loose recyclables only. Cardboard: Flatten before placing.

Placing banned materials in landfill-bound trash or contaminating recycling with non-recyclables violates MGO 10.18 and WI Stat. 287.07.

The Bottom Line

Madison's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Madison is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Madison's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.