Moving Days

press release: The annual August Moving Days ritual in downtown Madison will begin soon. On top of packing, hauling, and saying goodbyes, movers need to decide just what to do with all their unwanted stuff.

Over the next few days, the Streets Division will be providing information so those on the move can be sure they know how to manage all the trash and recyclables they will generate.

Daily Collections

Starting at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, August 3, residents in the downtown moving days area can place full collection carts and other items at the curb.

During each weekday between August 3 and August 14, Streets Division staff will be emptying collection carts and picking up large items.

Residents should fill and re-fill their collection carts again and again during the daily collection window.

Using carts correctly makes Streets Division collections faster and safer for everyone. Plus, using the carts appropriately keeps the city looking cleaner.

Residents within the student move area are encouraged to use their upcoming scheduled collections to begin the disposal process. To learn what collections are scheduled for your home, go to www.cityofmadison.com/collectionschedule.

Guidelines for Trash

• Put all trash in the tan refuse cart or inside trash bags. Do not pile trash loose at the curb.
• Do not put trash in cardboard boxes.
• Keep your refuse and recycling separated from each other.

Guidelines for Recycling

• Place only appropriate recyclables into the green cart.
• Keep the recycling lid closed when out for collection. Rainwater damages paper inside.
• Excess recyclables at the curb that cannot fit into the cart should be in a clear bags. Do not pile recyclables loose at the curb.
• Flatten and bundle cardboard boxes for recycling.
• Keep your refuse and recycling separated from each other.

Guidelines for Using the Carts

• Make sure your carts remain accessible so the trucks can lift and empty them.
• Leave the collection carts at the rental property. Do not take them. The carts belong to the City and must remain for the new tenants.

Drop-off Sites

Residents that have more recycling or trash than can fit into the carts can bring the excess to a Streets Division drop-off site.

Residents can bring one load a day of refuse, recycling, large items, or the other items accepted at the drop-off site.

The single load cannot be larger than what would fit into a standard pick-up truck bed or small single-axle trailer. Loads larger than those guidelines will be denied access.

The drop-off sites are located at 4602 Sycamore Ave. and 1501 W. Badger Rd.

In order to use the sites, individuals must provide proof they are a resident of the City of Madison. Many individuals show their driver’s license, but other official documents like utility bills or rental agreements can work as well.

The drop-off sites are open 7:30am to 2:50pm Monday to Friday. The sites are open 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday. Due to ongoing restrictions and the limited hours, individuals using the drop-off sites should expect to encounter long lines.

Additional Information

If there are questions, all residents are encouraged to contact the Streets Division. Residents who live east of S. Park Street, and that includes the isthmus, should call 608-246-4532. Residents west of S. Park Street, and that includes the neighborhoods around Camp Randall, should call 608-266-4681.

Additional information can also be found on the Streets Division’s Moving Days website, the Streets Division’s electronics recycling website, and the Recyclopedia pdf .

Don’t forget to watch and share the Streets Division’s YouTube video on how to have a fast and safe move out.