Refuse and recycling carts at the curb
Streets & Urban Forestry

Food Scraps

  • A cartoon character is tossing an apple core over their shoulder into a compost bin. In the background is the word "Scrap"
    Image credit: Two Lips Creative

    Compost Food Scraps

    • City of Madison food scraps drop off at neighborhood farmers' markets schedule:

      • Madison Eastside Farmers' Market

        • Dates: April 29, 2025 to October 28, 2025
        • Hours: Tuesdays, 4:00pm to 7:00pm
        • Location: McPike Park (202 S. Ingersoll St)

      • Westside Community Market

        • Dates: May 3, 2025 to November 1, 2025
        • Hours: Saturdays, 7:00am - 12:30pm
        • Location: 505 S. Rosa Rd (University Research Park)

      • South Madison Farmers' Market

        • Dates: June 3, 2025 to October 28, 2025
        • Hours: Tuesdays, 2:00pm to 6:00pm
        • Location: Corner of S. Park St. and W. Wingra Drive (1602 S. Park Street)
    • Our goal for food scraps drop off this year is 40,000 pounds - which is the weight of a small herd of bison!
    • Check with your local community garden to see if a community compost option is available.
    • Remember, you can compost your food scraps in your own backyard, too.

    • Dane County Scrap Stops (Open June 1, 2025)

      • Two locations in Madison. Three locations elsewhere in Dane County.
      • More details about registering to use the County sites: check out their website.

     

  • A cartoon person with a handheld shopping basket is standing in front of the word "Plan"
    Image credit: Two Lips Creative

    Meal Planning

    Meal planning will save you money and save natural resources - the ultimate win-win. Meal planning tips can be found on this page. 

  • A cartoon person is standing at a charcoal grill. In the background is the word "Use"
    Image credit: Two Lips Creative

    Use & Storage

    Proper food storage techniques and using what you buy will mean you will not waste the food you purchase (or grow).

  • A cartoon person with a very large caldroun of soup is standing in front of the word "Create"
    Image credit: Two Lips Creative

    Create & Donate

    Create new food opportunities: 

    • Donate what's possible to area pantries
    • And create new dishes with imperfect foods, transform your leftovers, and cook "end-to-stem"
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Food Scraps