Outdoor Burning: Madison vs Middleton
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI?
Middleton has fewer restrictions than Madison.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Madison prohibits general open burning under MGO Chapter 10. Only small recreational fires and approved cooking fires are allowed. WI DNR open burning permits do not apply inside city limits because Madison sets its own stricter rules.
View full Madison rules →Middleton, WI
Dane County
Outdoor burning regulated by WI DNR and local ordinance. Middleton may prohibit most open burning. Garbage burning always illegal. DNR permits required in protection areas.
View full Middleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Middleton |
|---|---|---|
| City Code | MGO Chapter 10 | - |
| Yard Waste | Burning prohibited | - |
| Alternative | Free city drop-off | - |
| DNR Permits | Do not apply in city | - |
| Exceptions | Recreational only | - |
| Trash Burning | - | Always prohibited |
| DNR Permit | - | Required in protection areas |
| County Bans | - | During high fire danger |
| State Law | - | WI Stat. §26.12 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Can I burn leaves in the fall?
No. Madison prohibits leaf burning year-round. Use curbside collection or drop-off sites.
Does a WI DNR burn permit cover Madison?
No. DNR permits apply only in rural protection areas. Madison ordinances are stricter and supersede.
Middleton FAQ
Can I burn yard waste?
Most cities prohibit it. Use compost/yard waste collection. Rural areas may need a DNR permit.
What about recreational fires?
Recreational fires in approved containers are a separate category. See fire pit rules.
Compare other topics
See how Madison and Middleton compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool