Starting Monday, November 6, the Streets Division’s yard waste collection crews will begin working 10-hour days in order to collect more leaves and other yard waste material.

Curbside yard waste piles are growing in size and number. As more and more trees shed their leaves for winter, the amount of material our crews need to collect will continue to increase. By working 10 hour days, Streets Division crews will be able to keep pace with the volume set out to the curb. Crews will work 10-hour days for as long as conditions merit as determined by Streets Division staff.

As in years past, Streets Division crews will continue collecting yard waste for as long as the weather allows.

Residents wishing to utilize the curbside collection service for their leaves and yard waste are encouraged to use the pickup schedule maps on the Streets Division’s yard waste website. By using the map, residents can minimize the amount of time their yard waste material sits at the curb awaiting pickup. The map is updated every day that crews are working at the end of their shift.

Using the pickup schedule map is simple. Go to www.cityofmadison.com/yardwaste. Click on the pickup schedule button. Enter the resident's address in the “Find an address” field in the top left hand corner of the website. And next follow the color-coded directions.

When placing yard waste at the curb, residents are reminded to never place their material directly in the street. Leaves in the street lead to phosphorus run-off into our lakes, which contributes to algae blooms and weed growth. Plus, yard piles in the street have the potential to clog storm inlets, which could lead to street ponding.

When placing your yard waste out for collection, residents should pile it loose at the road edge or terrace. To prevent material from blowing into the street, residents may cover the pile with a tarp or bag them. Compostable paper bags are easier and faster for Streets Division crews to collect, but plastic bags can be used as well. Bags, either compostable or plastic, should be left open at the top so crews can identify the contents.

City of Madison residents may also bring their yard waste material to one of the Streets Division’s drop-off sites. The sites are located at 1501 W. Badger Rd., 4602 Sycamore Ave, and 402 South Point Rd. The sites are presently open from 8:30am to 4:30pm seven days a week and until 8:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These hours will remain in effect until 4:30pm on Sunday, December 3.

Residents can learn more about curbside yard waste collection on the Streets Division’s yard waste website. Collection time estimates are also available by calling the Streets Division’s leaf and yard waste hotline at 608-267-2088. Collection estimates and other information can be provided by contacting a Streets Division office. Residents west of S. Park Street, should call the west side office at 608-266-4681, and residents east of S. Park Street, including the isthmus, should call 608-246-4532.