Madison, WI Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Earliest curbside placement
- 12 hours before collection
- Cart removal deadline
- 24 hours after collection
- Frequent private service limit
- 12 hours at a time
- First-offense penalty
- $50-$200
- Third-offense penalty
- $250-$500
- Enforcing office
- Streets Division
Summary
Madison residents may not set trash or recycling at the curb more than 12 hours before their designated collection day under MGO § 10.18(3)(c), and carts must come off the terrace within 24 hours after pickup, or within 12 hours if a private hauler collects more than weekly. Violations carry a rising forfeiture starting at $50.
(c)Curbside Placement. Except when authorized by the Streets Division Manager or other City policy, trash and recycling shall not be deposited upon the terrace of any street more than twelve (12) hours before either the date designated by the Streets Division Manager for trash and recycling collection in the district in which said premises are located for City collections or the date designated by private haulers for private collections.(d)Cart Removal. No owner or operator shall allow a trash or recycling cart to remain on the terrace of the street in front of their premises for more than twenty-four (24) hours after the date designated by the Streets Division Manager for collection... Provided, however, that if a private hauler provides service more frequently than on a weekly basis no trash or recycling carts shall remain on the terrace of the street for more than twelve (12) consecutive hours at a time.
Full Breakdown
18(3) governs how trash and recycling are handled at the curb. 18(3)(c), bars setting materials on the street terrace more than 12 hours ahead of the collection date set by the Streets Division Manager for City service, or by a private hauler for private service. 18(3)(d), requires owners and operators to pull carts off the terrace within 24 hours after the designated collection day; if a private hauler collects more often than weekly, carts may sit for only 12 consecutive hours at a time. 05(2)(cc). 18(3)(f) and (g). 18(5)(c)); no person may dump recyclables in a neighbor's cart, dumpster, or recycling container without the occupant's consent.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of the placement or cart-removal rules draws a forfeiture of $50 to $200 within a 12-month period, rising to $100-$300 for a second offense and $250-$500 for a third or later offense in the same 12 months, with each day of violation a separate offense under § 10.18(7)(a). Certain hazardous-waste dumping violations under § 10.18(5)(f)-(g) carry a steeper $50-$1,000 escalating penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
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Pickup Rules & Schedules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle pickup rules & schedules.