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

    • Farmers' market drop-offs will be at four locations starting in April 2026
      • Westside Community Market (505 S Rosa Rd)
        • Saturdays, 7am to 12:30pm; April 11 to October 31
      • Madison Eastside Farmers' Market (202 S. Ingersoll St within McPike Park)
        • Tuesdays, 4pm to 7pm; April 28 to October 27
      • South Madison Farmers' Market (1602 S. Park Street, corner of S. Park and W. Wingra)
        • Tuesdays, 2pm to 6pm; May 19 to October 27
      • Capitol View Farmers' Market (5901 Sharpsburg Dr, near City View Park)
        • Wednesdays, 3pm to 7pm; May 27 to October 14
    • Use a Dane County Scrap Stop for your food scraps drop-off needs while the farmer's market sites are closed.
    • 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 

      • Three locations in Madison and other 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