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Before you put an item out for collection consider donating reusable items to a charity or give away or selling them through person-to-person exchanges.

Contracting with a private hauler for dumpster service, or taking the material to a construction material recycling facility or landfill yourself are also options and may better serve the project's needs.

work order system

You must submit a work order to have large items, including building material, collected at the curb.

Click here to submit your work order.



building material restrictions

Collection of building material from the curb, or delivering to a Streets Division drop-off site is limited to debris from minor home improvement projects done by the resident.

Debris from major remodeling or construction projects and work done by contractors will NOT be collected or accepted at the drop-off sites.

Shingles will not be collected or accepted by the Streets Division.

There is a limit of approximately 240 pounds of building material that will be picked at a single time.

This weight limit includes boards or lumber for the scheduled large item collection or delivered to the drop-off site.

Please utilize the tan trash container for the debris that would fit inside and be careful not to overload it. Smaller debris that cannot fit into the cart must be bagged.

Follow all refuse collection guidelines for material placed outside of the collection cart.



What is Building Material?
Building material includes:
  • Dry Wall
  • Plywood
  • Insulation
  • Lumber
  • Siding
  • Plaster
  • Wood Paneling

Shingles, bricks, concrete and concrete blocks will not be collected or accepted regardless of volume.

Cabinets, doors, windows, plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, etc.), and furnaces are considered large items.

 

building Material Recycling

Some building, like clean drywall and lumber, can be recycled. There are local options for this material.

 

shingle Recycling

Shingles can be recycled at several locations in Dane County, including the Dane County Landfill.



Collection Guidelines
Building material must be put in bags or disposable containers for collection. Do not put material in cardboard boxes. Bags and containers must weigh less than 40 pounds.

  • Scrap lumber: Go to Large Item Collection
  • Boards must be less than 8 feet in length.
  • Remove nails or bend so they do not protrude.
  • Place boards at the curb separate from your regular refuse.
  • Rain gutters and pipes are collected for recycling by Large Item metal crews: Place these items separately at the curb.
  • Items over 8 feet in length must be bent over or cut down for collection.

Un-needed or used building materials can find a new home in Madison.

Besides the option listed below, you can try more traditional secondhand stores to see if they can accept what you have. Or even re-sell the item online through any of the available online marketplaces.

Habitat for Humanity
If you have material that might be useful you can donate it to Habitat for Humanity. Please check with Habitat for Humanity prior to making a donation. This is also an excellent place to find bargain materials for your home improvement projects.


Check the Dane County Waste & Renewables Disposal and Recycling Guide for options for recycling concrete, stone, shingles, and other loads of construction materials.