madison wi brush pickup

Madison WI Brush Collection: A Guide to Curbside Pickup

The City of Madison, Wisconsin offers a curbside brush collection service to help residents dispose of tree branches and other woody debris. This service is typically offered during the spring and fall seasons. Understanding the guidelines and schedule ensures proper disposal and keeps Madison looking its best.

What is Madison’s Brush Collection Service?

Madison’s brush collection service is a free program provided by the city’s Streets Division. It’s designed to help residents manage branches and woody material generated from routine yard maintenance. This service prevents these materials from ending up in landfills and allows them to be properly processed.

Accepted Materials

The following materials are generally accepted for brush collection:

• Tree branches
• Shrub trimmings
• Woody vines

Note that the branches should ideally be less than 8 inches in diameter, as extremely large pieces may be difficult to process. Make sure you check the official city website for the most up to date accepted material guidelines.

Unaccepted Materials

Certain materials are *not* accepted for brush collection. These typically include:

• Grass clippings
• Leaves
• Garden waste
• Stumps
• Treated lumber

For disposal of these other yard wastes, you should use the city’s drop-off sites or compost service.

Brush Collection Schedule & Zones

Madison’s brush collection operates on a schedule based on collection zones. Each zone has designated pickup dates. The city typically publishes a detailed schedule online, allowing residents to look up their specific zone and collection week. Generally, brush should be placed at the curb *before* the start date of your zone’s pickup week.

You can find your specific zone on the city’s website. The easiest way to determine the zone is usually via the official address lookup tool.

Preparing Brush for Collection

Proper preparation of your brush pile is crucial for efficient collection. Following these guidelines will ensure your brush is picked up:

• Pile brush at the curb, but not in the street.
• Keep piles away from obstacles like fire hydrants, mailboxes, and utility poles.
• Orient the cut ends of branches towards the street for easier pickup.
• Keep the pile neat and organized.

Brush Collection is often related to larger Yard Waste Programs. For more detailed information on the management of yard waste, consider visiting the Wikipedia page on Yard Waste.

Brush Collection vs. Drop-Off Sites

In addition to curbside collection, Madison also operates drop-off sites where residents can dispose of brush and other yard waste year-round. These sites are a convenient alternative if you miss your scheduled pickup or have a large volume of material to dispose of. Keep in mind that you may need proof of Madison residency to use these sites.

FAQs About Madison’s Brush Collection

What do I do if I miss my scheduled brush pickup?

If you miss your scheduled pickup, you can either wait for the next scheduled collection or take your brush to one of Madison’s drop-off sites.

Where can I find the brush collection schedule?

The brush collection schedule is available on the City of Madison’s Streets Division website.

Is there a cost for brush collection?

No, Madison’s curbside brush collection is a free service for residents.

What is the size limit for brush piles?

While there isn’t a strict size limit, the city may have specifications. It is generally recommended to avoid extremely large piles that could impede collection efficiency.

Can I put thorns in my brush pile?

Yes, you can include thorny branches in your brush pile. However, consider using gloves when handling them to protect yourself.

Summary

Madison’s brush collection program is a valuable service that helps residents manage yard waste responsibly. By understanding the guidelines, schedule, and accepted materials, you can ensure your brush is collected efficiently and contribute to keeping Madison a clean and beautiful city.