City guide · Wisconsin
Madison Trash Pickup Schedule
On this page
This Madison trash pickup schedule covers the Streets Division's straightforward two-cart system - tan for trash, green for recycling - plus a holiday list that's one of the longest in the state, with more skipped days than most nearby cities observe. Here's exactly how the Madison garbage collection schedule works for trash, recycling, holidays, and large item pickup.
How often is trash picked up in Madison?
The Madison curbside collection schedule collects trash weekly in your tan cart. Recycling runs every other week in your green cart.
| Stream | Frequency | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Trash | Weekly | Tan cart |
| Recycling | Every other week | Green cart |
| Large items | By scheduled work order | Some items carry a fee |
Carts must be at the curb by 6 AM, when collection begins.
Find your exact pickup day
Every address on the Madison trash collection calendar has its own collection days:
Look up your Madison pickup schedule →
You can also request a copy of your schedule by phone or email - see contacts below.
Bin placement rules
- Tan and green carts at the curb by 6 AM on collection day
- Large items scheduled separately, set out on your chosen Sunday
- Collection of large items happens during the work week that follows
Madison Trash Holiday Schedule
Madison observes more holidays than most nearby cities - when one falls on your collection day, pickup simply moves to the next work day.
| Holiday | 2026 date | Affects pickup? |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, Jan 1 | Yes - moves to next work day |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Mon, Jan 19 | Yes - moves to next work day |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 25 | Yes - moves to next work day |
| Juneteenth | Fri, Jun 19 | Yes - moves to next work day |
| Independence Day | Sat, Jul 4 | No change - falls on a weekend |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 7 | Yes - moves to next work day |
| Thanksgiving Day & day after | Thu-Fri, Nov 26-27 | Yes - moves to next work day |
| Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Thu-Fri, Dec 24-25 | Yes - moves to next work day |
What goes in each bin
Trash (tan cart)
WeeklyGoes in
- Bagged household waste
- Food-soiled paper
Keep out
- Large items (schedule separately)
- Hazardous waste
Recycling (green cart)
Every other weekGoes in
- Cardboard, flattened
- Paper & mail
- Metal & plastic bottles
Keep out
- Plastic bags & film
- Food-soiled containers
Large Items
By work orderGoes in
- Mattresses, appliances
- Furniture
Keep out
- Items not scheduled ahead of time
- Hazardous materials
Large item pickup
Schedule a Large Item Work Order online through the Streets Division, set your items (mattresses, appliances, furniture) out on your selected Sunday, and collection happens during the work week that follows. Some categories of large items carry a fee - check the Streets Division's "Items with Fees" page for which items and how to pay before you schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Madison trash pickup schedule?
What carts does Madison use for trash and recycling?
How do I find my Madison pickup day?
Does a holiday delay trash pickup in Madison?
How do I get large items picked up in Madison?
Is there a fee for large item pickup in Madison?
Who do I contact about trash service in Madison?
More Wisconsin guides
Milwaukee, WI
Trash & recycling days
Kenosha, WI
Trash & recycling days
Racine, WI
Trash & recycling days
Appleton, WI
Trash & recycling days
Brookfield, WI
Trash & recycling days
Mount Pleasant, WI
Trash & recycling days
City contact & resources
City of Madison Streets & Urban Forestry Division
Bookmark this Madison waste collection schedule and check back whenever a holiday shifts the calendar. Need more than curbside pickup? Compare local bulk & junk removal quotes. Browse all Wisconsin cities or the full state directory.