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How to Participate in Food Recycling in Dane County and Madison

Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables – Food Scrap Stop and Organic Recycling Services, Dane County Landfill official website (https://landfill.danecounty.gov/).


A practical guide for residents who want to compost food scraps the right way.


Food scraps make up a significant portion of household trash, yet they are one of the easiest materials to divert from the landfill when proper systems are available. In Dane County—particularly in Madison—residents have several legitimate, county-supported options for recycling food scraps so they can be composted instead of buried in a landfill.


This guide explains exactly how food recycling works locally, who manages it, and how residents can participate using programs that are currently in place.


Who Manages Food Recycling in Dane County?


Food scrap recycling in the county is overseen by the Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables. This department operates and coordinates organics programs, including food scrap drop-off services, and manages the county landfill system.


Within the City of Madison, the City of Madison Streets Division runs additional food scrap collection efforts, particularly seasonal drop-offs at farmers’ markets.


Food scraps collected through these programs are processed through county-approved composting operations associated with the Dane County Landfill system.


Option 1: Dane County Food Scrap Stop (Year-Round Drop-Off)


Dane County operates a program called Food Scrap Stop, which allows residents to drop off food scraps for composting at secured kiosks.


How It Works


  • Residents must register online with Dane County Waste & Renewables.

  • After registering, participants receive a lock code that provides access to Food Scrap Stop carts.

  • The carts are available 24 hours a day, year-round.


Locations Near Madison


Food Scrap Stop sites are located throughout Dane County, including multiple locations within Madison and nearby communities. These are intended for residents who do not have curbside food scrap collection or who prefer self-service drop-off.


What Is Accepted


Food Scrap Stop sites accept a wide range of food scraps, including:


  • Fruits and vegetables

  • Meat, bones, and dairy

  • Bread, grains, and leftovers

  • Coffee grounds and eggshells


This is the most comprehensive food scrap recycling option available to residents.


Option 2: Madison Farmers’ Market Food Scrap Drop-Offs (Seasonal)


The City of Madison operates food scrap drop-off stations at select farmers’ markets during the warmer months.


Participating Markets


Food scrap collection has been offered at markets such as:


  • South Madison Farmers’ Market

  • Madison Eastside Farmers’ Market

  • Westside Community Market


These drop-offs are managed by the Streets Division and operate only during the farmers’ market season.


Important Limitations


These sites accept a narrower list of materials than Food Scrap Stop locations. Typically accepted items include:


  • Raw fruit and vegetable scraps

  • Coffee grounds and filters

  • Eggshells


Meat, dairy, cooked foods, oils, and prepared foods are not accepted at farmers’ market drop-offs.


Option 3: Backyard or Community Composting


Residents with yard space may compost food scraps at home using backyard compost bins or worm bins. The City of Madison encourages home composting where feasible, particularly for plant-based food scraps.


Some community gardens also maintain compost systems for member use, though access varies by location.


Food Donation and Community Support


Before food becomes waste, donating edible items is the preferred option. Unopened or safe-to-eat food can often be donated to local food pantries or shared through community networks.


While Dane County’s food recycling programs focus on inedible scraps, food donation plays an important role in reducing waste and supporting local residents.


What About Dumpsters or Driveway Containers?


Dane County does not provide residential dumpsters or roll-off containers specifically for food scrap recycling. The public program is based on resident drop-off using Food Scrap Stop kiosks or city-run seasonal sites.


During large cleanouts, moves, or estate situations, residents should plan to:


  • Separate food waste from general debris

  • Transport food scraps to a Food Scrap Stop location

  • Avoid placing food waste in standard trash whenever a composting option is available


Food waste placed in landfill-bound dumpsters cannot be composted once contaminated.


Key Takeaways for Madison and Dane County Residents


  • Dane County offers year-round food scrap recycling through Food Scrap Stop drop-off sites.

  • Madison provides additional seasonal food scrap drop-offs at select farmers’ markets.

  • Farmers’ market sites have stricter limits on what is accepted.

  • Large quantities of food waste require planning and proper separation.

  • Donating edible food should always come before composting.




 
 
 
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