Water Utility

Residents with sandbags have four options on how to manage them, including curbside collection that will begin on October 29.

Option 1: Store for Future Use
Lake levels remain high, so concerns over flooding have not completely subsided.

If we have a snowy winter combined with high lake levels, a return to flood conditions next spring could be possible.

Residents in flood-prone areas may want to store their sandbags for future use.

Option 2: Reuse the Sand
Residents can elect to slit open the sandbags and use the sand on their own property.

The empty sandbags should be placed into the tan refuse cart. Do not place full sandbags into the refuse cart. Do not place full or empty sandbags into the recycling cart.

Option 3: Haul Sandbags to a Sand Site
Residents and dozens of volunteers placed over 200,000 sandbags for this year’s flooding. While the City will work to collect sandbags at the curb, residents hauling them to the sand sites will help make the process more efficient, and allow city crews to work on other important tasks, such as collecting leaves.

There are 13 locations where residents can haul their unwanted sandbags, including 4141 Nakoosa Trail (the old Cub Foods location). You can find the nearest sandbag drop-off location.

Option 4: Curbside Sandbag Collection
The Streets Division will begin curbside sandbag collection on Monday, October 29, 2018.

Residents who wish to have their sandbags picked up from the curb must place them out for collection prior to Sunday, November 25, 2018. Crews will continue collecting the bags placed to the curb before November 25 until all are picked up or until they are inaccessible due to snow cover.

Residents who wish to have their sandbags collected at the curb should follow the below directions. The collection process depends on where you live.

Residents with sandbags who want them collected at the curb should visit the City of Madison Flooding website to find out if you live in the “Flood Zone” or “Request Pickup” areas.

Steps for Curbside Collection for Residents in the Flood Zone
Residents with homes that fall within the Flood Zone should place their sandbags on the terrace or road edge. Collection crews will be circling the Flood Zone areas beginning on October 29. Residents in the Flood Zone must get their bags to the curb or terrace prior to November 25 to ensure collection.

When placing sandbags out for collection, do not put them in the street or gutter. Also, do not cover sandbags with leaves or other yard waste. Please note that Sandbag collection crews will not go on private property to remove bags.

Steps for Curbside Collection for Residents in the Request Pickup Areas
Residents with homes that fall within the Request Pickup areas should place their sandbags on the terrace or road edge. Collection of these bags will begin on October 29.

After residents in the Request Pickup areas place their sandbags to the curb for pickup, they must submit a request for sandbag collection. The City will send a crew to collect the bags as soon as possible.

Residents in the Request Pickup area have until November 25 to get their sandbags to the road edge and submit their collection request.

Residents can request sandbag collection in two ways:

1. Submit the Request Sandbag Collection form online.
2. Call the sandbag collection hotline at (608) 242-6001 and follow the recorded directions.

When placing sandbags out for collection, do not put them in the street or gutter. Also, do not cover sandbags with leaves or other yard waste while awaiting collection. Sandbag collection crews will not go on private property to remove bags.

What Happens to the Sandbags After Collection
After crews collect sandbags, they will be hauled to 4141 Nakoosa Trail (the old Cub Foods location).

A loader with a special attachment will scoop the sandbags into a hopper. Once in the hopper, a series of blades will rip the bags open and the sand will filter out.

The empty sandbag husks will be hauled to the landfill.

The remaining sand will be stored for future use as fill material in various city projects.

How to Help Your Neighbors
Residents who need assistance in removing sandbags from their property can request volunteer assistance.

Also, individuals who wish to help those who need assistance moving sandbags can sign up to volunteer.

City staff will then match those who need help with those who have volunteered to assist.

Additional Information
Additional information about the flooding in Madison can be found on the City of Madison flooding website, www.cityofmadison.com/flooding.