Time is ticking to drop off your food scraps at local farmers’ markets. We’re also racing against the clock to meet this season’s food scraps collection goal.
Here’s where you can bring food scraps for composting, free of charge. Plus, you can pick up a bucket, stickers, and helpful guides at the market. Market staff are ready to answer any questions about composting.
On Tuesdays
Visit the Madison Eastside Farmers’ Market from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McPike Park, 202 S. Ingersoll St.
Alternatively, drop off scraps at the South Madison Farmers’ Market from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, located at the corner of S. Park Street and W. Wingra Drive.
You have two chances left: today, October 21, and next Tuesday, October 28.
On Saturdays
Bring your food scraps to the Westside Community Market from 7:00 AM to noon at 505 S. Rosa Rd. The final Saturdays for dropping off scraps this season are October 25 and November 1.
What Can You Drop Off?
Feel free to bring your pumpkin insides from Halloween, coffee grounds, eggshells, potato peels, apple cores, and more. A full list of acceptable items is available on the food scraps website, and market staff can help clarify what you can and can’t drop off.
How Are We Doing on Our Goal?
This year, we aimed to collect 40,000 pounds of food scraps—roughly the weight of 20 adult bison. As of now, we’ve gathered over 37,000 pounds, which means we’re close but still need your help. With only two weeks to go, we might hit that goal. Every bit counts!
Did you know that composting food scraps can reduce landfill waste by up to 30%? According to the EPA, composting also cuts down on methane emissions, which is vital for our environment. So, every small contribution helps protect our planet.
For more thorough insights on food scraps—from prevention to composting—check out the City of Madison’s food scraps website.
