Madison Reporter

The City of Madison's Streets Division has begun its annual extra collection services to manage the high volume of waste generated during student move-out days. The effort, which started on August 4 and will continue through August 22, focuses on the downtown area where many students are relocating.

During this period, the Streets Division is providing additional trash and recycling cart pickups each day in the designated move-out zone. Crews are also increasing large item collections to handle discarded furniture and other bulky materials.

"The move out generates around one million pounds of trash every year, and Streets Division crews collect most of it by hand," according to a statement from city officials.

Residents participating in the moving process are asked to follow established rules for setting out carts and large items. The city is reminding everyone not to dispose of electronics or batteries in carts or at the curb. Instead, these items should be taken to a Streets Division drop-off site for proper recycling.

In addition, residents are encouraged to donate usable goods such as clothing, furniture, and artwork rather than sending them to landfills. The city's ReUse webpage lists local donation options available in Madison.

More information about collection schedules and guidelines can be found on the Streets Division’s August Student Move Out webpage.