Madison Reporter

The City of Madison Streets Division has collected 30,177 pounds of food scraps for composting at three local farmers’ market drop-off sites this year. The city’s goal for 2025 is to reach 40,000 pounds of food scraps collected and composted.

With about 10,000 pounds remaining to meet the target, there are seven weeks left in the farmers’ market season. Residents are encouraged to participate by bringing their compostable food scraps to one of the three neighborhood markets: South Madison Farmers’ Market, Eastside Farmers’ Market, and Westside Community Market. More information on hours and locations is available on the city's food scraps composting website.

Accepted items include raw fruits and vegetables (and their peelings), corn cobs, coffee grounds, and eggshells. A complete list of accepted and non-accepted materials can be found online or by speaking with attendants at the market booths. Free buckets for transporting scraps are available at the drop-off sites, along with printed guides and stickers.

Additional resources on reducing food waste are also provided on the city’s website. In addition to the city’s program, Dane County Department of Waste and Renewables operates a separate “Food Scrap Stop” initiative in Madison. Details about that program can be found on Dane County's website.

“We have just under 10,000 pounds of scraps to collect to reach this year’s goal,” stated the City of Madison Streets Division. “And there are only 7 weeks left in the farmers’ market season.”

“That will be up to you, of course. And we certainly hope to see you at one of the market sites to help,” continued the statement from city officials.