Dane County (Madison area) opened a network of free 24/7 food scrap kiosks on June 1, 2025. Most kiosks require sign-up for access. The program accepts most food scraps and is free for Dane County residents. By mid-2025, over 1,000 households had enrolled and 50+ tons of food waste had been diverted.
About Dane County's Program
Dane County's food scrap drop-off program launched on June 1, 2025, funded in part by a $400,000 federal grant awarded in early 2024. The county operates a network of drop-off kiosks positioned around Madison and surrounding communities for residents who don't have access to curbside organics.
The program is free for all Dane County residents and operates 24/7 — a significant advantage over programs that are only available at farmers markets or during staffed hours.
Program at a Glance
- Cost
- Free
- Hours
- 24/7
- Registration
- Required for most sites
- Launch Date
- June 1, 2025
- Program Milestone
- 50+ tons diverted by July 2025; 1,000+ households enrolled
- Status
- Active 2025–2026
- Run by
- Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables
How to Use a Dane County Food Scrap Kiosk
- Find a kiosk near you Visit landfill.danecounty.gov/compost and look for the kiosk map or list. Kiosks are spread across the Madison metro area. The site is updated as new locations are added.
- Register for your chosen kiosk Follow the enrollment link for your selected location. Registration is free and provides your access information. You'll receive confirmation by email.
- Collect scraps at home Use a countertop container, a small bucket, or the freezer method. Check your kiosk's specific accepted materials list — most Dane County kiosks accept a broad range of food scraps.
- Visit anytime, day or night Use your access code or method to unlock the kiosk, empty your scraps, and lock it again. The 24/7 availability means you can build drop-off into whatever routine fits your schedule.
What Is and Isn't Accepted
✓ Generally Accepted
- Fruits and vegetables (all parts)
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags and loose tea
- Bread, pasta, grains
- Eggshells
- Nuts and seeds
- Food-soiled paper (varies by site)
✗ Generally Not Accepted
- Plastic bags or containers
- Non-compostable packaging
- Pet waste
- Diapers or hygiene products
- Recyclable materials
Note: Accepted materials may vary slightly by kiosk location. Check your specific kiosk's materials list after registering.
Program Results So Far
Dane County's program has grown faster than expected. By July 2025 — just six weeks after launch — more than 1,000 households had enrolled and the program had diverted over 50 tons of food waste from landfills. As of January 2026, the county reported continued strong participation, with coverage expanding to additional kiosk locations.
The county is also running a 2026 Organics Management Grant Program to further support composting infrastructure expansion, including residential enrollment.
City of Madison Residents — Additional Options
City of Madison residents have additional composting options through the City of Madison's own programs, which coordinate with (but are separate from) Dane County's kiosk network. Madison residents planning to expand composting efforts in 2025–2026 should check both the county and city programs to find what's most convenient.