Madison Reporter

The Streets Division has announced a final opportunity for residents to have their brush collected, with the last set-out date scheduled for Sunday, December 15, 2024. The collection process will begin as weather conditions permit, and it may take several workdays to complete. This final round of collection could extend through the Christmas holiday depending on the volume of brush and weather conditions.

Residents are advised that "collection is not guaranteed" due to potential winter weather events. If a snowstorm or other significant winter event occurs, priority will be given to winter weather response efforts over brush collection. Brush piles that are buried under snow or frozen to the curb will not be accessible for collection.

The same personnel responsible for collecting brush also operate snowplows during winter storms. As such, responding to any potential winter storm takes precedence over collecting brush from curbsides.

Guaranteed brush collection services are expected to resume in spring 2025.

Regarding leaf pickup, the last chance for leaf collection began during the week of December 8 and is now concluding. Crews assigned to leaf pickup will transition to brush collection following the December 15 set-out date. Residents who did not set out leaves by December 8 will need to wait until spring 2025 for another opportunity.

During this period, crews will only collect brush—defined as branches, limbs, and sticks cut from trees, shrubs, and bushes—and not leaf or yard waste piles. Brush must meet specific size requirements: at least 18 inches in length but no thicker than eight inches in diameter and shorter than eight feet in length. Brush cut by contractors is not eligible for collection; contractors must dispose of it themselves at appropriate sites like the Streets Division's processing center.

For those who prefer not to risk disruptions due to winter weather, drop-off sites remain available on winter hours. Residents should check online for locations and hours before transporting their materials.

Additional information about brush collection rules can be found on the city's website at www.cityofmadison.com/BrushCollection. For details on all Streets Division services, visit www.cityofmadison.com/Streets.