Public Works

“Mr. Jack O’Lantern has had his day and it’s time to send Mr. O’Lantern and his minions to the great compost bin in the sky,” Madison strategic initiatives coordinator George Dreckmann said.  “Madison residents can give their pumpkins a proper send off by putting them at the curb for our leaf and garden waste collection program.”
 
     City of Madison residents should place their pumpkins at the curb along with their leaves for collection.  Leaves should be placed in piles at the street edge for collection.  Residents who must bag their leaves should place their pumpkins on the ground next to their bagged leaves.  Pumpkins are also accepted at the City's yard waste drop off sites.
 
     “A better option is to put your pumpkins in your back yard compost bin,” Dreckmann said.  “With pumpkin spice being all the rage this is a chance to add come cache to your home composting effort.”
 
     In addition to collecting pumpkins, City of Madison crews will also collect other organic Halloween/Fall decorations such as cornstalks and straw as part of the leaf collection.
 
     “Every fall we estimate that over 100 tons of pumpkins are discarded in Madison,” Dreckmann said.  “Putting your Jack-O-Lanterns out for leaf collection crews saves tax dollars and is great for the environment.”
 
     Residents can get complete information on fall leaf collection at http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets or by calling 267-2088.