Common Council

Yard Waste Collection Continues!

Yard Waste Collection Crews Begin 10-Hour Workdays

Starting today, October 30, the Streets Division's yard waste collection crews will begin working 10-hour days in order to collect more leaves and other yard waste material. 

Curbside yard waste piles are growing in size and number. By working 10-hour days, Streets Division crews will be able to keep pace with the volume set out to the curb.  Crews will work 10-hour days for as long as conditions merit as determined by Streets Division staff.

Residents who need curbside collection service for their leaves and yard waste are encouraged to use the Pickup Schedule map to learn when they should place yard waste to the curb. The Pickup Schedule map is available on the Streets Division's yard waste website, www.cityofmadison.com/yardwaste. 

By using the map, residents can minimize the amount of time their yard waste material sits at the curb awaiting pickup.  The map is updated at the end of each workday.

Using the Pickup Schedule map is simple.  Go to www.cityofmadison.com/yardwaste.  Click on the blue Pickup Schedule button. Enter your address in the "Find an address" field in the top left hand corner of the website then follow the color-coded guide to learn if yard waste and leaves should be placed out to the curb. 

When placing yard waste out for collection, residents should never place the material directly in the street.  When it rains on leaf piles in the street, the water carries nutrients like phosphorus into the storm drains. The nutrients lead to toxic algae blooms, murky water, and low oxygen levels in our lakes.

When placing leaves and yard waste out for collection, residents can pile it loose at the road edge or terrace. In order to prevent leaves from blowing into the street, residents may cover their pile with a tarp or they can bag them.  Compostable paper bags are easier and faster for Streets Division crews to collect, but plastic bags can be used as well.  Bags, either compostable or plastic, should be left open at the top so crews can identify the contents.

More information about keeping streets leaf-free can be found on the Streets Division's yard waste website, www.cityofmadison.com/yardwaste, and also on Ripple Effects, where more can be learned about stormwater and the importance of keeping streets leaf-free.

City of Madison residents may also bring their yard waste material to one of the Streets Division's drop-off sites. The sites are located at 1501 W. Badger Rd., 4602 Sycamore Ave, and 402 South Point Rd.   The sites are presently open from 8:30am to 4:30pm seven days a week and until 8:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  These hours will remain in effect until 4:30pm on Sunday, December 2.

Residents can learn more about curbside yard waste collection on the Streets Division's yard waste website, www.cityofmadison.com/yardwaste. Collection time estimates are available by calling the Streets Division's yard waste hotline at 608-267-2088. Additional information can be provided by contacting the Streets Division offices.  Residents west of S. Park Street, should call the west side office at 608-266-4681, and residents east of S. Park Street, including the isthmus, should call 608-246-4532.